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Flow Hive

The Flow Hive is a modular beehive system invented in Australia that enables beekeepers to extract honey directly from the hive by turning a key mechanism, allowing the honey to flow into jars without the need to open the hive, remove frames, or disturb the bees significantly.^[1] This innovation uses specially designed plastic frames where bees build their comb on a food-grade, BPA- and BPS-free foundation, and the extraction process relies on gravity to drain the honey through split cells.^[2] Developed over a decade by third-generation beekeeper Cedar Anderson and his father Stu Anderson, the Flow Hive addressed the challenges of traditional beekeeping, such as the labor-intensive process of harvesting honey that often involves smoke, frame removal, and centrifugal extractors.^[1] The Andersons' breakthrough came from incorporating vertical-splitting hexagonal cells into Langstroth-style frames, a concept refined through prototyping to ensure bee safety and ease of use.^[2] Launched via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign on February 22, 2015, the project exceeded its $70,000 goal within minutes, ultimately raising over $12 million USD from approximately 37,000 backers worldwide, marking one of the most successful crowdfunding efforts in history.^[1]^[3] This method contrasts with conventional techniques by minimizing stress on the colony, reducing the risk of disease transmission, and eliminating the need for additional equipment like extractors or processing sheds.^[1] The hive's components, including the inner cover, roof, and stand, are constructed from durable cedar wood, with the Flow Frames made in Australia to ensure quality and compatibility with standard beekeeping practices.^[4] As of 2024, the Flow Hive has sold over 120,000 units to customers in over 130 countries, earning accolades such as the 2016 Good Design Award, a 2017 Apimondia Silver Medal, and inclusion in Fast Company's 2017 World Changing Ideas.^[1]^[5] The company behind it, Flow Hive Pty Ltd, became a certified B Corporation in 2018, committing to sustainable practices like 100% solar-powered manufacturing and donating 50% of profits from a related foundation to pollinator conservation efforts.^[1] A follow-up model, the Flow Hive 2, launched another record-breaking Indiegogo campaign in 2018, raising $14.9 million and introducing enhancements like integrated observation windows and improved weather resistance.^[6]^[7] By 2025, the company continues to sell and innovate in beekeeping technology.

History

Invention

The Flow Hive was invented by father-and-son duo Cedar Anderson and Stuart Anderson in Byron Bay, Australia, as a solution to longstanding challenges in traditional beekeeping. Cedar, a third-generation beekeeper who first opened a hive at age six, grew up in an alternative community fostering invention and innovation near Byron Bay. Stuart, an engineer with his own family history of beekeeping, collaborated closely with Cedar, bringing technical expertise to the project. Their personal motivations stemmed from the frustrations of conventional honey harvesting, which involved hours of messy, sticky labor, frequent bee disturbances, and risks of squashing insects during frame removal.^[1]^[8] Development began in the early 2000s on their apiary in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, where the Andersons sketched initial concepts and built basic prototypes using hand-carved wood. Leveraging Cedar's skills in woodworking and design alongside Stuart's engineering background, they tested these early models directly with their own bees to address inefficiencies in hive access and extraction. The process was iterative and experimental, spanning over a decade of trial and error in a modest shed setup.^[1]^[8]^[9] The core innovation—a mechanical system for vertically splitting honeycomb cells to release honey without extracting frames—was conceptualized around 2007-2010, inspired by observations of natural drainage in hexagonal cells. Stuart's idea for the vertical split proved pivotal, evolving from clunky early designs into a more refined mechanism that surprised the inventors with its effective honey flow. This breakthrough aimed to create a stress-free harvesting method while maintaining hive integrity against pests.^[1]^[9] Early prototypes faced significant hurdles, including leaks in wooden frames that compromised functionality and hygiene. Multiple failures prompted shifts to initial plastic trials, which offered greater durability and precision in cell splitting. Through persistent testing and refinement on their property, the Andersons achieved a functional prototype by 2014, demonstrating reliable honey extraction with minimal bee disruption. This success paved the way for formalized development under BeeInventive Pty Ltd.^[8]^[1]^[10]

Development and Patents

BeeInventive Pty Ltd was formed in 2014 to commercialize the Flow Hive invention developed by Australian beekeepers Stuart and Cedar Anderson.^[11]^[12] The company, based in Newrybar, New South Wales, focused on prototyping and intellectual property protection to bring the innovative beehive to market.^[13] Prior to the 2015 crowdfunding launch, the Andersons filed a provisional patent in Australia for the core split-cell frame mechanism, which allows honey to drain from partially formed honeycomb cells without disturbing the bees.^[12] The Australian patent was granted in 2015, providing legal protection for the unique plastic matrix design that enables the cells to shift open for extraction.^[12] International filings followed, with key grants including a US patent in 2017 covering the same mechanism, ensuring global exclusivity for tappable hive designs.^[14]^[15] BeeInventive has since secured patents in multiple jurisdictions to defend against copycats attempting to replicate the technology.^[16] Development progressed iteratively over a decade, with the Andersons refining prototypes through hands-on testing in their own apiaries to improve durability and ensure bee acceptance of the artificial frames.^[17] Key enhancements included optimizing the frame structure for seamless integration with standard Langstroth hives, allowing Flow Frames to fit existing 8- or 10-frame supers without major modifications.^[2] Material testing emphasized food-grade, BPA- and BPS-free polypropylene for the central frame parts, selected for its safety in contact with honey and compatibility with bee behavior, as bees readily draw comb on the pre-formed foundations once coated in wax.^[18] Scaling from prototype to production presented challenges, particularly in achieving leak-proof seals in the honey drainage system and minimizing bee disturbance during activation.^[17] Apiary trials conducted from 2014 to 2015 validated these refinements, confirming reliable performance across various hive conditions while maintaining low stress on colonies.^[17] These efforts culminated in a robust, manufacturable design ready for mass production post-crowdfunding.^[12]

Design and Operation

Key Components

The Flow Hive is designed as a modular, Langstroth-style beehive that integrates standard wooden brood boxes for bee rearing with proprietary Flow supers for honey storage, allowing beekeepers to maintain traditional colony management while simplifying harvest.^[2] The system consists of a base, one or more brood boxes, a queen excluder, the Flow super containing Flow Frames, and an outer cover, all constructed primarily from sustainably sourced timber such as western red cedar or Araucaria pine for durability and weather resistance.^[19] At the core of the system are the Flow Frames, which are made from BPA- and BPS-free food-grade plastic molded in Australia to form vertically aligned, partially pre-formed honeycomb cells that bees can easily complete with wax.^[2] Each frame features a central splitting mechanism activated by a plastic Flow Key made from BPA- and BPS-free food-grade plastic, which breaks the cells along vertical fault lines to release honey without dismantling the hive; a single Flow super typically holds 6 frames in an 8-frame configuration or 7 frames in a 10-frame setup, providing capacity equivalent to several traditional frames per super due to the efficient cell design.^[20] The frames measure 242 mm in height, 480 mm in length (adjustable in 12 mm increments), and 51 mm across the clear end panels, ensuring a snug fit within the super while allowing visual inspection of honey levels.^[20] Additional components enhance usability and hive health, including observation windows integrated into the Flow super's end frame and side panel for non-invasive monitoring of colony activity and honey production.^[2] The inner cover provides ventilation and insulation, while the brood box includes foundationless wooden frames—typically 8 or 10 per box—designed to encourage natural wax buildup by bees without artificial foundations, promoting healthier comb development.^[21] The Flow Hive is fully compatible with standard 10-frame Langstroth equipment, enabling seamless integration with existing apiaries, and also supports 6-frame nucleus configurations for smaller colonies; this design facilitates the honey extraction process by channeling flow from split cells directly into collection tubes attached to jars.^[20]^[2]

Honey Extraction Process

The honey extraction process with the Flow Hive begins with careful preparation to ensure the frames are ready and the hive is positioned correctly. Beekeepers first inspect the Flow Frames through the observation window or end-frame view to confirm that the honey cells are at least 70% full and capped with wax, indicating the honey is ripe and ready for harvest; uncapped honey should be left to avoid agitating the bees or harvesting unripe product. The hive must be tilted at a slight backward slope of 2.5–5 degrees for the original model or 3 degrees for later versions, using a spirit level to facilitate gravity-assisted flow without spillage. Additionally, a harvesting shelf or brackets are attached to the rear window cover to support collection jars securely.^[22]^[23] Once prepared, the extraction mechanism involves minimal intervention to split the cells and collect the honey directly. A beekeeper selects a full Flow Frame, inserts the collection tube (with the logo facing up) into the frame's bottom outlet, and positions a jar or container beneath it on the shelf; multiple frames can be harvested simultaneously in a checkerboard pattern to reduce hive disruption. The patented Flow Key—a plastic tool—is then inserted into the frame's end and rotated 90 degrees, either partially for a partial harvest or fully to split all vertical cells, creating channels that allow the honey to flow by gravity through the trough and tube into the jar without opening the hive or using extractors. The process relies on the frame's BPA- and BPS-free plastic foundation, where bees have built and capped the comb, ensuring the honey drains cleanly in a mess-free manner.^[2]^[22]^[24] After extraction, the frames are reset and returned to the hive for the bees to manage naturally. The key is turned back to the closed position to seal the cells, preventing further leakage, and the empty frame is slid back into place; the bees will remove any remaining wax cappings and refill the cells over time without needing manual cleaning or intervention. Exposed honey in the trough should be wiped with a damp cloth to deter robbing by other bees, and any residual propolis buildup is minimized since the hive remains unopened, avoiding the frame-prying that breaks propolis seals in traditional methods and potentially increases stress or swarming risk.^[22]^[25] This method offers notable efficiency compared to conventional centrifugation, where full hive disassembly, uncapping, and spinning frames can span hours to days for a single super. In the Flow Hive, harvesting typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for 3–4 frames, yielding up to 3 kg (6.5 lb) per frame, or about 20 kg from a full 7-frame super. Optimal temperatures of 20–30°C are recommended to maintain honey fluidity and prevent crystallization or slow flow during extraction, particularly in cooler conditions or with high-fructose nectars like canola.^[22]^[26]^[27]

Crowdfunding and Launch

Indiegogo Campaign

The Flow Hive Indiegogo campaign launched on February 22, 2015, setting an initial funding goal of $70,000 USD to bring the innovative beehive to market. A compelling video demonstration featuring inventors Cedar and Stuart Anderson quickly went viral, showcasing the hive's simple honey extraction mechanism and drawing widespread attention from beekeeping enthusiasts and the general public alike. Within just eight minutes of launch, the campaign surpassed its goal, raising $2.18 million in the first 24 hours alone—a record for Indiegogo at the time.^[28]^[29]^[30] The marketing strategy highlighted the Flow Hive's accessibility for novice beekeepers, its bee-friendly design that allows harvesting without opening the hive or disturbing the colony, and the option for worldwide shipping to backers in over 150 countries. Campaign perks were structured to encourage early support, including discounted complete hive kits starting at around $550 USD for early adopters, along with options for additional frames and accessories. This approach resonated globally, fostering a sense of community around sustainable beekeeping and urban honey production.^[31]^[32]^[1] Backer engagement was extraordinary, with over 37,000 supporters from more than 150 countries contributing more than $12 million USD over the eight-week campaign period, making it one of Indiegogo's most successful non-tech projects and the highest-funded international campaign to date. Key milestones included rapid progression through stretch goals, which unlocked enhancements such as optional colored frames to improve hive visibility and appeal. The overwhelming response not only validated the product's potential but also set a benchmark for crowdfunding in the agriculture and sustainability sectors.^[3]^[28]^[33]

Initial Production and Distribution

Following the successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $12 million in 2015, initial production of the Flow Hive began in Australia to meet surging demand from more than 37,000 backers across 150 countries.^[8] Manufacturing involved partnerships with local Australian facilities, including Evolve Group for design optimization and production of the plastic components via injection molding, ensuring the use of BPA- and BPS-free food-grade polypropylene for the Flow Frames.^[34]^[2] These materials were selected for their safety in contact with honey and compatibility with bee behavior, allowing bees to build natural comb on the artificial foundation.^[35] Distribution faced significant hurdles due to the unprecedented order volume, leading to delays beyond the initial timelines as production scaled up to handle the backlog. First shipments commenced in December 2015, but high demand resulted in staggered deliveries extending into 2016, with many backers experiencing waits of several months.^[8] International logistics challenges, including shipping complexities to remote areas, compounded these issues, though specific customs delays were not widely documented in early reports. Quality control efforts addressed initial user-reported problems, such as occasional honey leaks from frames during early extractions, which prompted minor redesigns to improve sealing mechanisms before broader rollout.^[9] The global rollout proceeded in waves, prioritizing backers by order date, with over 20,000 units directed to the U.S. and Canada alone by mid-2016 to align with the beekeeping season.^[9] To streamline future operations, the company established distribution centers in the U.S. and EU by mid-2016, reducing transit times for subsequent orders. By the end of 2016, pre-orders had surpassed 50,000 units, and customer feedback from early adopters informed enhancements to packaging and assembly guides, making setup more accessible for novice beekeepers.^[8]

Products and Variants

Original Flow Hive

The Original Flow Hive, released in 2015 following a successful crowdfunding campaign, features a standard wooden Langstroth hive design compatible with conventional 10-frame supers, including a brood box and a honey super that accommodates up to seven Flow frames.^[35]^[36] Each Flow frame consists of partially formed plastic cells that bees fill with honey, enabling extraction without frame removal, made from food-grade, BPA- and BPS-free plastic. The complete hive assembly, crafted from Western Red Cedar wood, supports a total honey capacity of approximately 20 kg when fully loaded with seven frames, each holding about 3 kg of honey.^[37] Post-crowdfunding, the retail price was set at $599 USD for the full hive kit, including the brood box, Flow super, frames, and accessories like the observation window cover.^[38] Key to its operation is the basic split-key mechanism, a plastic tool inserted into each Flow frame to break the vertical mid-wall between cells, allowing honey to flow downward through integrated channels into a collection tube at the frame's base.^[2] The frames incorporate clear plastic viewing windows for non-invasive monitoring of honey levels and bee activity, reducing disturbance during inspections.^[39] This design maintains compatibility with standard beekeeping equipment, such as protective suits, smokers, and Langstroth tools, allowing integration into existing apiaries without specialized gear.^[40] Initial setup, as outlined in the user manual, begins with installing a nucleus colony into the brood box by transferring the nuc's 4-6 frames—typically 2-3 brood frames, 1-2 honey/pollen frames, and 1 empty frame—in their original order to the center of the box, then filling the remaining spaces with 4-6 empty foundation frames.^[41] Beekeepers feed the colony 1:1 sugar syrup via a top feeder until at least 8 of the 10 brood frames are drawn out, which typically takes several weeks depending on local conditions. The Flow super, containing the seven frames, is added only after the brood box is well-established and during an active nectar flow, often in spring or summer, to ensure bees prioritize honey storage over brood expansion; a queen excluder is recommended between boxes to prevent brood in the super.^[41] Basic maintenance includes periodic inspections every 10-14 days to monitor varroa mites and brood health, plus cleaning the honey channels and troughs with a bottle brush if residue builds up post-harvest to prevent contamination in future cycles.^[25] Early user reviews from 2015-2016 highlighted strong performance in warmer climates, where hives often achieved full frame yields of 20 kg or more per super during peak flows, with harvesting described as efficient and yielding up to 30 lbs in under 30 minutes.^[42] However, in cooler regions like Maine or Utah, reports noted challenges such as slower bee acceptance of the plastic frames and partial fills due to shorter nectar seasons or crystallization, requiring more frequent monitoring to harvest before honey solidifies.^[42]^[43]

Flow Hive 2 and Subsequent Models

The Flow Hive 2, released in 2018, introduced several enhancements to the original design, including an optional integrated adjustable hive stand for uneven terrain, dual inbuilt spirit levels for precise setup, ventilation controls to regulate airflow, a multifunctional pest management tray, a mesh base screen, and brass fixtures for durability.^[44] These improvements aimed to simplify beekeeping tasks and enhance hive maintenance. The model was successfully crowdfunded on Indiegogo, raising over $13.6 million from backers worldwide.^[7] In 2021, the company launched the Flow Hive 2+, a premium variant crafted from western red cedar with additional features such as ant guards, an entrance reducer, and a more robust multipurpose tray to further support pest control and hive stability.^[45] This model also includes two observation windows and a gabled roof for better weather protection. By 2025, the Flow Hive 2 lineup expanded to include ThermoGrade wood options, providing up to seven times greater insulation than traditional timber hives for improved temperature regulation.^[46] Subsequent models diversified the product range for varied beekeeping needs. The Flow Hive Hybrid, introduced around 2021, combines Flow frames with standard Langstroth brood boxes, allowing users to harvest both liquid honey and fresh honeycomb.^[47] The Flow Hive Classic, a more affordable starter option, features foundationless brood frames and handles on all sides for easier handling, targeting beginners.^[48] These variants maintain core Flow technology while adapting to different user preferences. Pricing for the Flow Hive 2 starts at approximately $699 USD for the base model, with the 2+ at $999 USD; bundles including protective gear and educational resources are available for newcomers. All models are retailed globally through the official website honeyflow.com, with shipping to multiple countries.^[49]^[19]

Criticism and Controversies

Environmental and Material Concerns

The Flow Hive's reliance on petroleum-based plastics, particularly virgin food-grade polypropylene for its proprietary Flow Frames, has drawn criticism for contributing to plastic pollution in beekeeping practices traditionally dominated by natural materials like wood and wax.^[18] Critics argue that the introduction of tens of thousands of plastic hive sets globally exacerbates the broader issue of non-biodegradable waste, as these components introduce petrochemical residues into ecosystems otherwise supported by renewable hive materials.^[1]^[50] The frames, while BPA-free and designed for food contact, raise sustainability questions due to their dependence on fossil fuel-derived polymers, potentially undermining the environmental benefits of beekeeping.^[51] In response, Flow Hive has emphasized the frames' safety and durability, noting their composition mirrors that of infant feeding products, and has begun incorporating recycled materials in accessories like ant guards and trays made from 100% recycled polypropylene since around 2020.^[19]^[52] Manufacturing the Flow Hive in Australia involves a carbon footprint associated with production and international shipping, though specific per-unit emissions data remains limited. General lifecycle assessments of honey production indicate emissions ranging from 1.40 to 2.20 kg CO₂e per kg of honey across beekeeping systems, with transportation and energy use as key contributors; for the Flow Hive, factory operations powered by solar electricity help mitigate this impact.^[53]^[54] As a B Corporation since 2018, the company has committed to emission reductions through the B Corp Climate Collective, aiming to offset manufacturing-related greenhouse gases via enhanced pollinator habitats that support broader ecological services like crop pollination.^[53] These benefits are highlighted in pollination-inclusive lifecycle studies, which quantify positive environmental returns from bee activity that can exceed direct production emissions.^[55] The durability of Flow Frames, tested in field conditions for over a decade, allows reuse for multiple seasons, reducing the frequency of replacements compared to traditional wax foundations.^[56]^[57] However, as non-biodegradable polypropylene, they pose end-of-life disposal challenges for beekeepers, who must manage plastic waste in communities often prioritizing organic practices; while polypropylene is theoretically recyclable, no dedicated recycling program exists for used frames, leading to concerns over accumulation in landfills.^[50]^[58] By 2025, Flow Hive has advanced sustainability through updates like the ThermoGrade™ wood option for hive bodies, improving insulation and longevity while maintaining plastic frames, alongside a shift away from single-use plastics in packaging.^[59] These efforts align with broader regenerative goals, though no comprehensive lifecycle assessments comparing the Flow Hive to traditional wooden supers have been publicly released, leaving questions about overall environmental load unresolved.^[53]

Beekeeping and Bee Welfare Issues

Critics of the Flow Hive have raised concerns about potential disturbances to bee colonies during the honey extraction process, particularly the mechanism of splitting the cells in the plastic frames to release honey. However, the design aims to minimize overall hive openings, which could reduce cumulative stress on the bees compared to conventional harvesting that often involves lifting frames and risking bee crushing.^[60] Adaptation to the Flow Hive's plastic frames presents challenges for bee colonies, as bees frequently hesitate to draw out comb on plastic foundation due to its unfamiliar texture and lack of natural scent cues present in beeswax. Field trials on alternative foundations indicate acceptance rates as low as 20-35% for plastic compared to 100% for wax, with some colonies swarming due to reluctance to expand into these frames, thereby weakening the brood nest. To mitigate brood expansion into honey areas, the use of queen excluders is recommended, a practice common in many hive systems but essential here to maintain separation.^[61]^[62] The Flow Hive's ease of use has sparked debate over its impact on beekeeping practices, particularly among novice users who may over-harvest honey without fully understanding colony needs, risking starvation or weakened states during lean periods. Critics argue that the reduced need for frame inspections discourages essential learning about hive health, such as monitoring for pests, diseases, or queen status, potentially leading to higher colony losses from mismanagement. This concern is amplified by marketing that emphasizes simplicity, attracting hobbyists focused more on honey yield than comprehensive bee care.^[60]^[39] In response, Flow Hive proponents, including analyses from welfare-focused organizations, highlight that the system modestly improves bee welfare by limiting invasive procedures, with no evidence of elevated mortality rates compared to traditional Langstroth hives when managed properly. Field observations and design intent emphasize reduced agitation during harvests, promoting gentler practices overall, though regular inspections remain necessary for optimal colony health. Proper training and adherence to beekeeping fundamentals are stressed to avoid over-harvesting pitfalls.^[60]^[63]

Reception and Impact

Public and Media Response

The launch of the Flow Hive in 2015 generated widespread viral attention, primarily driven by its Indiegogo crowdfunding video, which has amassed over 8.5 million views on YouTube since its upload.^[64] The video's demonstration of honey flowing directly from the hive without disturbing the bees captivated audiences, leading to the campaign raising $13 million from more than 60,000 backers and becoming Indiegogo's most successful international effort to date.^[65] This buzz extended to major media outlets, including Wired, which hailed the invention as an "ingenious" solution for turning beehives into on-tap honey sources, and The New York Times, which spotlighted its role in easing the laborious harvest process for novice and urban beekeepers alike.^[66]^[67] Coverage in these sources positioned the Flow Hive as a revolutionary tool for urban beekeeping, emphasizing its potential to make the hobby more approachable amid growing concerns over pollinator decline. Public enthusiasm surged following the launch, with the Flow Hive credited for sparking a notable increase in hobbyist participation in backyard beekeeping.^[68] Social media platforms amplified this interest, as users shared harvest videos and experiences under hashtags like #FlowHive, contributing to the product's cultural footprint; by 2017, the official Flow Hive accounts on Instagram and Facebook had cultivated hundreds of thousands of followers engaging with content on easy honey extraction.^[69] Celebrity endorsements further fueled the excitement, including actor Chris Hemsworth, who showcased his backyard Flow Hive setup on social media in 2020, and David Beckham, whose beekeeping routine using the device was featured prominently.^[70]^[71] Media response was mixed, with mainstream praise for the Flow Hive's innovation contrasting skepticism in specialized beekeeping publications. Outlets like Wired lauded its user-friendly design in 2015, arguing it could democratize honey production without the traditional mess of extraction.^[66] However, journals such as Honey Bee Suite critiqued the hype, suggesting the system offered marginal benefits for harvesting while potentially overlooking broader beekeeping challenges like pest management.^[72] Similarly, Modern Farmer reported doubts from established voices, including British Beekeepers Association columnist Rusty Burlew, who viewed the Flow Hive as more marketing spectacle than substantive advancement for experienced practitioners.^[73] By 2025, the Flow Hive continued to enjoy positive coverage in sustainability-oriented media, reflecting its enduring appeal as an eco-friendly beekeeping aid. Monocle profiled the company's growth from a backyard prototype to a global enterprise, emphasizing how the invention simplifies sustainable honey harvesting and supports pollinator conservation efforts.^[74] Its cultural resonance persisted through visual media, including a prominent opening scene in Netflix's 2023 documentary "Beckham," where the former athlete harvests honey from his Flow Hive, indirectly highlighting the inventors' story and the device's role in modern, accessible beekeeping.^[75]

Effects on Beekeeping Community

The introduction of the Flow Hive in 2015 contributed to a notable surge in beekeeping club memberships in Australia, particularly among hobbyists and urban enthusiasts. In Queensland, for instance, the Beekeepers Association reported membership doubling from 400 in 2016 to 600 by 2017, attributing much of this growth to the device's accessibility that attracted newcomers to the practice.^[76] This trend extended nationwide, with the formation of new urban beekeeping groups in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as the Flow Hive lowered barriers to entry for city dwellers interested in backyard apiaries. Similar patterns emerged in the United States, where hobbyist participation in beekeeping increased following the product's launch.^[53] The Flow Hive prompted shifts in beekeeping education, emphasizing beginner-friendly resources and hands-on demonstrations. By integrating the device into introductory courses, educators used it to illustrate hive management without traditional extraction methods, fostering greater engagement among novices. Flow Hive's official online beekeeping course, featuring experts from around the world, has become a key tool for self-paced learning, covering essentials from hive setup to bee health.^[77] Complementing this, the company's YouTube channel offers tutorials on Flow Hive-specific techniques, with popular playlists accumulating hundreds of thousands of views to reach aspiring beekeepers globally.^[78] Additionally, Flow Hive provides materials for clubs to host workshops, including discounted hives for demonstrations, which have been adopted in educational programs to promote sustainable practices.^[79] Among professional beekeepers, adoption of the Flow Hive remains limited, primarily as a hybrid supplement in smaller commercial apiaries rather than a full replacement for traditional systems. However, resistance persists from traditionalists who prioritize natural comb construction and view the plastic components as potentially disruptive to bee behavior, arguing that the device encourages minimal intervention at the expense of comprehensive hive inspection skills.^[39] This divide has sparked debates within professional circles, with purists advocating for all-wooden, foundationless methods to maintain ecological authenticity.^[76] The Flow Hive has also spurred community-building initiatives, including annual user meetups and events that connect practitioners worldwide. Since 2017, Flow Hive has maintained a directory of engaged beekeeping clubs and associations, facilitating demonstrations and collaborative sessions that strengthen local networks.^[80] These gatherings, often hosted through partnerships with regional groups, include webinars, expos, and hands-on workshops, promoting knowledge exchange on Flow-specific techniques and broader bee conservation efforts.^[79] Such events have helped form global online communities via official forums and support groups, where users share experiences and troubleshoot, enhancing collective resilience in the beekeeping landscape.^[81]

Broader Effects

Commercial and Educational Influence

BeeInventive Pty Ltd, the company behind the Flow Hive, has experienced steady growth since its founding in 2015, with annual revenue reaching $7.4 million in 2025. Headquartered in Newrybar, New South Wales, Australia, the firm has expanded its global reach through direct sales and distribution networks, selling over 120,000 units worldwide by early 2024, including more than 67,000 in the United States alone.^[82]^[83] The Flow Hive has influenced market dynamics by facilitating easier entry into small-scale beekeeping and honey production, particularly for hobbyists and backyard operators. Its availability through direct-to-consumer channels on the official website and major retailers like Amazon has democratized access to innovative hive technology, enabling smallholders to harvest honey with reduced effort and sell directly to consumers without traditional extraction equipment. This shift has supported niche markets for artisanal honey, though the product's premium positioning limits broader commercial adoption among large-scale apiaries.^[84]^[48] In education, Flow Hive launched TheBeekeeper.org in 2020 as an online platform offering expert-led courses on beekeeping fundamentals, hive management, and pollinator care, aimed at beginners and experienced users alike. The initiative includes video tutorials, live Q&A sessions, and resources tailored for global audiences, fostering knowledge dissemination without geographic constraints. Additionally, the company provides free educational materials for schools, such as video series on bee biology and sustainable practices, to integrate beekeeping into STEM curricula and raise awareness among younger generations.^[85]^[86] Economically, the Flow Hive's entry price—starting at approximately $569 for the basic model—poses significant barriers for adoption in developing regions, where lower-income beekeepers may struggle with the upfront investment compared to conventional hives. However, the company addresses some of these challenges through its Pollinator Support Program, which directs profits from select products to conservation organizations, including initiatives that fund habitat restoration and provide resources for under-resourced apiaries, potentially offsetting costs via targeted grants and partnerships.^[48]^[87]^[60]

Environmental and Sustainability Outcomes

The widespread adoption of Flow Hive has contributed to increased backyard beekeeping, which supports urban biodiversity by enhancing local pollinator populations through greater hive presence in residential areas.^[88] Flow Hive's design facilitates easier hive management, indirectly bolstering bee populations amid global declines by encouraging more individuals to maintain healthy colonies without advanced expertise.^[53] The in-hive harvesting process reduces handling and equipment use.^[89] Flow Hive has committed to sustainability through its 2018 certification as a B Corporation, joining a collective pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, with carbon offsets planned between 2025 and 2050.^[90] The company's production incorporates solar-powered factories and renewable energy for operations, while the Billions of Blossoms project plants trees to restore pollinator habitats globally. As of August 2025, the program has donated over $1 million to habitat protection efforts.^[91]^[92] It also promotes chemical-free beekeeping practices to decrease reliance on hazardous pesticides, aligning with broader efforts to protect bee health and ecosystems.^[53] Overall, while the technology aids in sustaining pollinator services, its net ecological impact depends on responsible disposal and ongoing material innovations.^[89]

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About Us
### Summary of Flow Hive from https://www.honeyflow.com/pages/about-us
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How Flow Works
### Summary of How Flow Works
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Flow Hive has the only granted patents for tappable hives in the world. Patents take many years to become granted and are only granted if the invention is new ...Missing: AU2014101045 9820669
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US20140370781A1 - Apiculture - Google Patents
An artificial honeycomb for use in a beehive and which enables honey to be removed from the honeycomb without removing the honeycomb from the hive.Missing: AU2014101045 9820669
[16]
Flow hive wins major copycat battle. - Australian Manufacturing Forum
Nov 7, 2018 · BeeInventive Pty Ltd of Bangalow in NSW, which makes the Flow Hive, has patents in every corner of the world and trademarks in a number of ...
[17]
[PDF] STUART ANDERSON: CO-INVENTOR OF THE FLOW HIVE
About the Flow Hive's development and future. The Flow Hive is the result of a 10-year, father and son labor of love. Stuart says, “It has been very much an ...Missing: Pty | Show results with:Pty
[18]
Are the Flow Frames made from BPA & PFAS-free plastic?
The centre frame parts are made from a virgin food-grade polypropylene which is also free from any bisphenol compounds and is widely accepted as one of the ...Missing: refinements | Show results with:refinements
[19]
https://www.honeyflow.com/products/flow-hive-2-plus
[20]
What are the dimensions of the Flow Frames? - Flow Hive FAQs
The Flow Frames are designed to fit a standard Langstroth deep super. The Flow Super has the same measurements as a Langstroth deep (8 or 10 frame) super.Missing: compatibility | Show results with:compatibility
[21]
https://www.honeyflow.com/blogs/beekeeping-basics/foundationless-brood-frames
[22]
What will be weight of fully occupied 2 broodbox with 1 flowbox full ...
Nov 30, 2017 · In winter, you will probably take the Flow super off. Going into winter, my hive currently weighs just over 43kg, but they seem to have found a ...
[23]
How to harvest honey from a Flow Hive
### Summary of Honey Extraction Process Using Flow Hive
[24]
Flow Hive Harvesting Checklist
Look in the end frame view, if the cells are mostly full and capped with wax then it's a good indication the honey is ready for harvest. Attach your harvesting ...
[25]
What are Flow Frames? - Flow Hive FAQs
Once the honey is capped and ready for harvesting, the beekeeper can simply “tap” the frame and the honey will flow out, completely unprocessed into their jar, ...
[26]
Do I need to clean the Flow Frames? - Flow Hive FAQs
Clear the leak-back gap prior to harvest and inspect the honey trough. If the honey trough is dirty it can be cleaned from outside the hive using a bottle brush ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[27]
How much honey comes out of a Flow Hive or Super?
When the Flow Super is full, you can expect to harvest approximately 3 kg (6.5 lb) per Flow Frame (even more if the bees really build each frame out).
[28]
When & How-To Harvest & Extract Honey | Talking With Bees
The best temperature to uncap and extract honey is 21-27C. Above 32C the wax is too soft and below 18C the honey is stiff and is hard work to extract.
[29]
Flow Hive Crowdfunding Tops Indiegogo For Largest International ...
Mar 2, 2015 · Flow launched on February 22nd and hit its initial goal of $70,000 in 477 seconds. In 24 hours Flow had raised $2.18 million – another platform ...
[30]
https://www.honeyflow.com/pages/press
[31]
This Easy-To-Use Beehive Is Bringing Honey To Backyards
Mar 9, 2018 · The Flow Hive, which dramatically simplifies the process of extracting honey, might help more amateur beekeepers stay with their backyard projects.
[32]
Indiegogo's 2015 Year In Review [Infographic]
Dec 17, 2015 · Flow Hive became our most fully funded international campaign, raising more than $12M to date from 37,000 backers in more than 150 countries.
[33]
UPDATE: Flow Hive, New Indiegogo Record - AgFunderNews
Mar 11, 2015 · The campaign has now raised 8,085% of it's $70,000 goal and has 12,950 supporters. This is also terrific news for Indiegogo, the online ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
[34]
Flow Hive stays home to tap world market - AFR
Oct 4, 2015 · Cedar and Stuart Anderson had spent years trying to create a hive system that would be less time-consuming and difficult for the beekeeper and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Flow Hive | Bee Culture
Apr 20, 2015 · Two potential issues that the Flow Hive brings to mind are the increased reliance on plastic in our bee hives and the type of philosophy or ...Missing: refinements | Show results with:refinements
[36]
Flow Frames
### Summary of Flow Frames from https://www.honeyflow.com/products/flow-frames
[37]
Honey weight by frame - Flow Forum
Jun 8, 2016 · If you have seven frames in your super box then you can expect to harvest at least 20 kilos (44 lbs) when every frame is full.
[38]
The Flow Hive: a Solution in Search of a Problem | Root Simple
Feb 23, 2015 · The langstroth hive has its limitations but honey harvesting isn't one of them. Let's focus instead on keeping our hives strong without ...Missing: 2014-2015 | Show results with:2014-2015
[39]
IS THE FLOWHIVE BAD FOR BEES? - Beekeeping Like A Girl
Apr 20, 2017 · The majority of the complaints I have heard about the Flow Hive are not about the invention, but about new beekeepers who might use it.Missing: 2014 | Show results with:2014
[40]
Original Flow Hive Review – Pros, Cons and In Depth Analysis
Rating 4.0 · Review by Akeem MurrayThe Flow Classic Cedar Beehive weighs 18.7 pounds (8.48 kg) while fully assembled. It measures 19.9 inches x 14 inches x 9.7 inches. There is no smaller model ...Quick Overview · About This Flow Hive Review · The Flow Hive In The Winter
[41]
Installing a nucleus of bees in the Flow Hive
Sep 18, 2015 · I am suggesting 2 or 3pm as the time to give you a balance between letting the bees settle down, and giving yourself enough time not to rush the installation.Missing: maintenance | Show results with:maintenance
[42]
The Flow Hive: Worth the Hype? - Keeping Backyard Bees
Feb 23, 2015 · Robbing may be a concern. · Exorbitant cost. · May not be appropriate for colder climates (other than Australia, where it is produced). · Possible ...
[43]
Flow-Hive Review and Testing by Albert Chubak - ECO BEE BOX
Aug 23, 2015 · The Flow-Hive is made up of vertical partially formed comb slats, with one slat being recessed with an up-and-down moving capability.
[44]
Which model should I choose – Classic, Flow Hive 2 or 2+?
Optional integrated adjustable hive stand · 2x inbuilt spirit levels · Ventilation control · Multifunctional pest management tray · Mesh base screen · Improved ...
[45]
Introducing the Flow Hive 2+ with New Beekeeping Features!
Feb 21, 2021 · It's our 6th birthday! We're excited to announce our newest model, the Flow Hive 2+. It's made from premium western red cedar and has new ...
[46]
Flow Hive - Facebook
Sep 16, 2025 · New to the Flow Hive range! The Flow Hive 2 ... insulation 7 x greater insulation than traditional timber hives for stable temperature control.
[47]
https://www.honeyflow.com/products/flow-hive-hybrid
[48]
https://www.honeyflow.com/products/flow-hive-classic
[49]
Flow Hive 2
### Summary of Flow Hive 2 from https://www.honeyflow.com/products/flow-hive-2
[50]
Petition · Ban the plastic Flow Hive - Australia · Change.org
Dec 26, 2021 · Billions of bees are being unnecessarily subjected to our petrochemical waste. There are over 80000 sets of plastic hives out there now.Missing: usage | Show results with:usage
[51]
Flow Hive - Is There A Problem With Plastic In A Hive?
One of the concerns raised with the flow hive is the plastic super inside. The plastic used is BPA free. But is plastic a good idea in hives?
[52]
Plastic in hives - Flow Forum
Aug 31, 2017 · The plastic used in Flow frames is BPA-free and food grade quality. It is the same kind of plastic used in baby milk feeding bottles. You don't need to worry ...Missing: refinements | Show results with:refinements
[53]
Impact
### Summary of Flow Hive Sustainability Efforts
[54]
Carbon Footprint of Honey in Different Beekeeping Systems - MDPI
Oct 7, 2021 · In this research, the Carbon Footprint of honey production ranged from 1.40 to 2.20 kg CO2e/kg of honey in migratory beekeeping systems and from ...2. Materials And Methods · 2.2. The Beekeeping Farms · 3. Results
[55]
Life Cycle Assessment of Honey: Considering the Pollination Service
Mar 26, 2019 · The aim of this paper is to explore the economic value of pollination as a potential basis for managing multifunctionality in LCA modelling as well as its ...
[56]
How long do the Flow Frames last? - Flow Hive FAQs
Flow Frames have been tested in the field for over a decade with great success, and are durable and long-lasting when used correctly.Missing: recyclability | Show results with:recyclability
[57]
How long are flow frames supposed to last? - Facebook
Jul 14, 2025 · Flow frames 5-6 years, all working fine. Each hive comes with a spare flow frame and frame key. 10 frame single box with 7 frame flow super - ...Missing: recyclability | Show results with:recyclability
[58]
Plastic frames durability - Beekeeping - Basics - Flow Forum
Jan 10, 2020 · And there is no wearing of the frames in operation. They slide with a slight gap between them that the bees fill with wax. If you add up one ...Missing: recyclability | Show results with:recyclability
[59]
https://www.honeyflow.com/products/flow-hive-2-thermograde
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Managed honey bee welfare: problems and potential interventions
Nov 14, 2019 · Managed bees suffer from a variety of problems, including pesticide exposure, poor nutrition due to inadequate access to natural forage, invasive hive ...
[61]
Accelerating the Acceptance of Alternative Foundation in Honeybee ...
If five of ten frames were waxed, alternated with unwaxed frames, a beekeeper could greatly accelerate the acceptance of plastic foundation. This part of the ...Missing: study | Show results with:study
[62]
Product Guide: Frames and Foundation - PerfectBee
Oct 29, 2025 · Avoids plastic in the hive; Readily accepted by bees to draw comb. Cons : Can still be fragile, though not as much as a simple beeswax ...Missing: study | Show results with:study
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https://www.honeyflow.com/blogs/beekeeping-basics/advantages-disadvantages
[64]
Flow™ Hive Full Reveal [Original crowdfunding video 2015]
Feb 22, 2015 · It's the beekeepers dream, turn a tap right on your beehive and watch pure fresh honey flow right out of your Flow™ Hive and into your Jar!Missing: trials 2014 challenges scaling
[65]
The secret to a successful crowdfunding campaign - BBC
At the campaign's close, they had raised US$13 million – Indiegogo's most successful campaign ever. Suddenly, Flow Hive had 20,000 prepaid orders to be ...
[66]
An Ingenious Invention That Turns Beehives Into Flowing Honey Taps
Feb 25, 2015 · It took just five minutes for the Flow campaign to reach its modest goal of $70,000, and the campaign has now passed the $3 million mark. "We're ...
[67]
A Beehive That Takes the Sting Out of the Harvest
May 30, 2015 · Flow Hive, on the other hand, isn't a particularly high-tech product. Instead, it's a new way of doing a laborious, age-old task.Missing: BBC CNN Guardian
[68]
A swarm to backyard beekeeping - CNET
Sep 15, 2018 · The Flow Hive is converting more amateurs into backyard beekeepers -- but it's drawing a buzz of criticism from traditional bee enthusiasts.
[69]
Flow® Hive (@flowhive) • Instagram photos and videos
1M followers · 6.8K+ following · 3492 posts · @flowhive: “Honey on tap directly from your beehive Passionate about beekeeping, bees and native pollinators ...
[70]
Chris Hemsworth is now a beekeeper - and you can try it ... - 7NEWS
May 19, 2020 · Stuart and Cedar Anderson are the father and son team that created Flow Hive, a revolutionary honey harvesting system - and even Chris Hemsworth is a fan.
[71]
How Byron Bay Flow Hive founder Cedar Anderson ... - The Australian
Jun 20, 2025 · Celebrity Flow Hive owners abroad include former football star David Beckham, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and actor Chris Hemsworth, while ...
[72]
Flow hive review - Honey Bee Suite
Flow hive review: The Flow™ hive does not revolutionize beekeeping. If the system works as the creators claim, it could perhaps change harvesting for some.
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What's the Final Verdict on the Wildly Popular Flow Hive?
Jan 5, 2016 · So when the Flow Hive video went viral, friends and family kept sending her links, asking what she thought of it. She wanted to ignore the ...
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Flow Hive is the beekeeping startup that simplified honey harvesting ...
Jul 24, 2025 · Its manufacturing process has scaled efficiently, combining traditional joinery with streamlined digital production of honeycomb frames ...Missing: prototype trials 2014-2015
[75]
Netflix series Beckham opens with David Beckham using a Flow ...
Oct 25, 2023 · Netflix series Beckham opens with David Beckham using a Flow Hive, invented near Lismore. A humble invention, dreamed up in the back shed of a ...
[76]
Beekeeping booms but clubs fear hive health may suffer - ABC News
Dec 27, 2017 · Australian invention the Flow Hive is being credited with bringing more people to beekeeping, but there is a sting in the tail, ...
[77]
https://www.honeyflow.com/pages/online-beekeeping-course
[78]
1st Year Beekeeping FLOW HIVE: FULL VIDEO LIST - YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world.Missing: integration education workshops
[79]
https://www.honeyflow.com/pages/beekeeping-club-support
[80]
https://forum.honeyflow.com/t/beekeeping-clubs-associations-directory-engaged-with-flow/13218
[81]
Beekeeping Clubs & Associations Directory engaged with Flow
Nov 2, 2017 · Search for Clubs & Associations near you that have a demonstration Flow Hive or Flow Super. If you are interested in visiting, use the contact ...Missing: community | Show results with:community
[82]
Flow Hive Forum
For all the newbees wanting to discuss and learn more about keeping bees, from getting started with the basics, to basic practices and the most used methods.Purchasing, Shipping, Orders · Beekeeping - Basics · General Bee ChatMissing: events 2017
[83]
Flow Hive / Beeinventive Information - RocketReach
Revenue, $7.4 million ; Employees, 21 (7 on RocketReach) ; Founded, 2015 ; Address, Old Byron Bay Rd, Newrybar, New South Wales 2479, AU ; Phone, +61 2 8880 0774.
[84]
Honey Straight From The Beehive
### Summary of Bee Welfare, Studies, or Defenses Against Criticism in Flow Hive
[85]
Flow - Amazon.com
30-day returnsFlow Hive allow beekeepers to join in the classic world of beekeeping, while experiencing the wonders and ease of harvesting pure fresh honey.Missing: partnerships | Show results with:partnerships
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TheBeekeeper.org - online beginner beekeeping course - YouTube
Jan 22, 2020 · We're very pleased to announce our latest creation: www.TheBeekeeper.org Expert-led advice on getting your first hive started.
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https://www.honeyflow.com/pages/pollinator-support-program
[88]
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-cities/articles/10.3389/frsc.2022.1099100/full
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Citizen science initiatives increase pollinator activity in private ...
Jan 10, 2023 · This study demonstrates that flower-rich private gardens provide integral habitat for wild pollinators and that citizen science programs can provide a tool.<|separator|>
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https://www.bcorpclimatecollective.org/news/cop25-b-corp-commitment-netzero2030
[91]
Over 500 B Corps Publicly Commit to Net Zero by 2030 at COP25 in ...
Dec 11, 2019 · Offset the remaining carbon emissions to achieve net zero emissions between 2025-2050. Join the B Corp Climate Collective. Become part of a ...
[92]
Sustainability Start-Up, Flow Hive, Celebrates World Bee Day With ...
May 18, 2022 · Flow Hive's Billions of Blossoms tree project re-establishes habitat across the globe for the world's hardworking pollinators.<|separator|>