I don't think I've ever seen a wax takeout container. Prior to the current wave of "compostable" containers, takeout containers were either something non-paper backed (eg. styrofoam or plastic), or something that resembled a paper cup (which uses plastic not wax, because wax gets melted by hot food/drinks).

a quick search shows soy wax being used in some containers still. today i learned that "mosquitocide" is a word, and soy wax is a thing. Thanks HN =)

So many things used to be covered in wax before plastics and PFA coatings took over. From rain coats to butcher's paper. The wax versions still exist, but they're often a lot more expensive than the PFA or plastic lined versions.

In my fantasy world these were all covered in beeswax, but I doubt there's enough beeswax for all of those applicatins. I don't suppose anyone knows what the wax is/was made of, and whether it had any health concerns as well?