Beeswax Products — Candles, Polish and Cosmetics from Honey Farms

Beeswax is a byproduct of honey extraction — frames are uncapped and the wax cappings melted in solar wax melters or double boilers. Filtered beeswax is cast into blocks for sale. Tribal honey collectors and cooperative apiaries earn Rs 800–1,200/kg from beeswax vs. Rs 50/kg of wood wax. Uses: pure beeswax candles (premium church and Diwali market), shoe polish, wood polish, cosmetics base (lip balm, cold cream), and batik wax-resist printing. Women artisans form SHGs to make beeswax candles under KVIC brand. Tribal producers in Uttarakhand sell to Auroville and fair-trade brands.