Ukraine: How beeswax could help war-hit families save food

Ukrainian counterparts at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute have been spreading the information from Cardiff University online and across social media, in the hope Ukrainians will be able to try it for themselves this summer.

Kharkiv has seen heavy fighting in recent weeks.

“The situation in conflict zones and near the frontline is very hard.

“People there have no electricity or very often there are blackouts in these regions,” said Dr Yuliia Yudina, from the National University Pharmacy at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute.

She said the power cuts had led to a “significant” amount of food waste.

“[The wrap] can be used for bread to keep it fresher, fruit and vegetables to keep them fresher.”

Prof Baille and his team of microbiologists hope their work with Ukraine will help others in war zones around the world harness the natural antibiotic properties of honey – which was once used by civilisations like Ancient Greece.

“We’ve actually had a response from the military in Ukraine, picking up this idea.

“For us, if we can just do a small thing to make this better, from our safe homes, then it’s worth it.”