You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t love honey for something — drizzled over a toasted English muffin, spooned into a yogurt parfait, paired with a hot beverage, or any other number of treats… and even supposed medicinal uses. There are more than 120,000 beekeepers in the United States, tending to millions of honey-producing bee colonies — some as commercial farmers, others are hobbyists, out to cultivate the “golden goodness” in their backyards.
Prized for their durability and versatility, plastics are increasingly being used to make quite a few beekeeping tools. In honor of National Honey Bee Day, we rounded up a few examples that have beekeepers abuzz. Check out these cool innovations:
“Honeycombs”
“Honeycombs” made from plastic are an option for modern day hives and often can be used without additional support, which typically is required of traditional materials. A beekeeper on Imgur switched to a plastic foundation in one of his hives and was pleasantly surprised at the firm support.
Plastic in the Beehive https://t.co/uuqsJrPqY2 (https://t.co/b9FOClndi1)
— Imgur Viral (@ImgurViral) July 4, 2016
3D Printed “Honeycomb”
A pair of innovative Australian beekeepers invented a 3D printed plastic device that turns beehives into flowing honey pots by allowing the honey to be collected without breaking open the hives.
This father/son duo invented a 3D printed honeycomb that pours delicious honey without ever disturbing the bees http://t.co/ZYrlkwFiu6
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) September 27, 2015
Beehaus
The plastic Beehaus is a compact structure that helps make it easier for hobbyist beekeepers to maintain hives in small spaces such as patio gardens or rooftops. The sturdy house resists pecking attempts from busy woodpeckers, which are known to break into traditional wooden hives.
The beehaus is getting very active
They seem to like the letter box entrance? pic.twitter.com/YdG83pVlb9— Tim Hewer (@HewerTim) May 22, 2016
HDPE Plastic Bee Hives
These commercial grade plastic bee hives are made from HDPE plastic and allow air circulation while discouraging humidity and mold growth.
Pretty cool, huh? Check out more cool innovations made possible by plastics.
