BioForme
is here!

FAQs

• What does Zero Waste mean?

  

  BioForme frames burn cleanly, leaving minimal ash and producing similar emissions to burning a piece of pine. Burning provides clean, zero waste, end of life options for AFB-infected hives, frame replacement and frame cycling. When cleaned after use, damaged BioForme frames can also be commercially composted.

• What type of plant material is used in Bioforme frames?

  

  BioForme Frames are made primarily from plant materials. The plant material used in our BioForme frames is sourced from approved, ethically managed and sustainably run plantations.

• Is it OK to burn my frames?

  
  Yes, burning BioForme frames is a clean and effective method to dispose of used or damaged frames. BioForme frames, when burned, produce very little smoke and low emissions. Testing has shown that BioForme frames also produce very low levels of PAHs (carcinogenic compounds), and significantly less smoke and ash than plastic frames.

• What’s the best way to burn Bioforme frames?

  

  If your hive was infected by AFB, you’ll need to follow AFBPMP guidelines. Damaged or broken frames, or frames that have been cycled out of your hives, can be burned in an incinerator or even in your home fireplace for heating. BioForme frames burn very cleanly and produce minimal levels of ash. Please check with your local council on regulations relating to fires.

• Why do I need to clean my frames before sending them to a commercial composter?

  

  Honey, beeswax and propolis all have high levels of antibacterial activity. Although these are organic materials, their antibacterial activity can have detrimental effects on the bacteria found in commercial composting operations. If you intend to send your frames to a commercial composter you will need to remove the old comb from the frame prior to disposal. Please check with your local commercial composter as preparation and acceptance of used frames can differ between operators.

• Does burning the Bioforme frame create smoke?

  

  Unlike regular plastic frames that produce thick, toxic and environmentally damaging black smoke, BioForme frames burn cleanly with minimal amounts of white smoke.

• How should Bioforme frames be stored?

  

  BioForme frames should be stored out of direct sunlight and kept under 60°C.

• Will Bioforme frames work in deboxers and uncappers?

  

  They sure do. Because BioForme frames are identical in size to regular plastic frames, and are highly durable, there is no problem running through deboxers and uncappers. Due to the increased comb area some adjustment may be needed to ensure all comb is uncapped.

• Can I use Bioforme frames for the collection and extraction of thixotropic honeys like Manuka?

  

  Yes. Field testing and extraction trials have shown that BioForme frames are suitable for use with the collection of Manuka honey and are similar in durability to regular plastic frames.

• What size are Bioforme frames?

  

  BioForme frames are current available in Full Depth (Hoffman) and are identical in size to our Beetek plastic frames.

  Key Dimensions:

  Top Bar Length:	482mm
  End Bar Depth:	34mm
  Overall Height:	231mm

• How do you know Bioforme frames are similar in durability to plastic?

  

  We have completed extensive testing both in the design, trial and production phases of our development. These tests involved heating and cooling, shear strength, impact and drop tests and finally, in-hive and extraction trials.

• Why do Bioframes have 7% more cells

  

  During the design and development stage of BioForme frames we took the time to re-think and improve on our existing frame design. BioForme frames have been designed to passively assist the colony fight small hive beetle infestation. Traditional plastic frames contain a multitude of small cavities where small hive beetles are able to establish themselves. These small cavities are inaccessible by worker bees, which allows small hive beetles evade the bee’s attention. Our new edge-to-edge moulding technology on BioForme frames reduces the number of cavities present on the frame by 93.33% when compared to Beetek plastic frames. By strengthening the frame rim we’ve also been able to increase usable cells by 7% without compromising rigidity.

• What is the Small Hive Beetle?

  

  A small but dangerous pest! Although not present currently in New Zealand, the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), at just 5mm in size, is one of the most feared honeybee parasites because with a heavy infestation it can destroy an entire colony within a very short time. BioForme frames have been designed to passively assist the colony to fight small hive beetle infestation. Traditional plastic frames contain a multitude of small cavities where the small hive beetle can establish itself. These small cavities are inaccessible by worker bees, which allows small hive beetles to reproduce unchecked. Our new edge-to-edge moulding technology on BioForme frames reduces the number of cavities present on the frame by 93.33% when compared to Beetek plastic frames. By strengthening the frame rim we’ve also been able to increase usable cells by 7% without compromising rigidity.