This is The Way To Bee!

You’re right, the use of “synthetic” in the context of honeycomb made with the same lipids and acids as bees use is nuanced and deserves a closer look. Here’s one way to break that down:

Materials: If the comb is made with identical lipids and acids found in natural beeswax, then the individual building blocks are indeed natural. They haven’t been chemically altered or created from scratch. In that sense, the materials themselves are not synthetic.

Origin: However, the key difference lies in the origin and process. Bees naturally produce beeswax through complex biological processes within their wax glands. In the case of lab-made comb, the same components are extracted, purified, and combined in a controlled environment, bypassing the bees’ natural biological machinery. This manufactured, human-controlled aspect can be considered “synthetic” in the sense that it’s not produced through the bees’ natural means.

Terminology: Some argue that since the final product mimics natural honeycomb in composition and function, even with a lab-based origin, it shouldn’t be called synthetic. Others emphasize the human intervention and controlled fabrication, justifying the “synthetic” label. Ultimately, the term carries both connotations: natural materials, but synthetically assembled.

Implications: The implications of using this lab-made comb depend on context. Some potential benefits include:

• Reduced strain on bees: Bees expend significant energy creating beeswax. Lab-made comb could conserve their resources.

• Consistent quality: Lab-controlled production might enable combs with superior properties like durability or resistance to pests.

• Ethical considerations: If sourced sustainably, the lab-made comb could offer an alternative to ethically questionable practices like honey harvesting.

However, concerns also exist:

• Potential impact on bee behavior: Replacing natural comb with synthetic alternatives could have unforeseen consequences for bee behavior and hive dynamics. Bees may not use it for brood right away.

• Transparency and labeling: Consumers should be clearly informed about the origin and composition of the comb they’re buying.

Overall, while the materials used in lab-made honeycomb are natural, the production process itself is synthetic. The terminology can be debated, but understanding the nuances of origin and implications is crucial. As this technology develops, ongoing research and open discussion are necessary to ensure its responsible and ethical implementation.

I hope this clarifies the complexity of the situation! 

In the videos I’ve provided below, you’ll see how the bees use BetterComb, and how quickly it becomes a part of the hive system. If you want 100% natural wax made from bees in your hive, then BetterComb is not for you. 

Where I keep my bees, 100% of the beeswax they produce is already laced with industrial  pesticides. When starting off with BetterComb, these pesticide residues are absent. 

If you still have questions or concerns, there is a FAQ page hosted by the manufacturer:

CLICK HERE to go to the manufacturer’s site.

Frederick Dunn has NO affiliation with any manufacturer or seller of BetterComb or Hexacell.