My hives are made from high density styrofoam. The density is 90 grams per liter, that's about as hard as they can make them. This kind of hive is quite popular in nothern Europe, where we have mostly hobby beekeepers that don't always buy the cheapest.

A plastic hive have some advantages. What you first think of is the weight of course, but also that it doesn't rot, swell or bend when wet. Boxes are made in four parts for easy transport to customer.

Ventilated bottom board, lid and the feeder. Note that lid can serve as bottom board, and the bottom board will make a ventilated lid for transport in warm weather.

Bees are taking syrup behind a clear plastic sheet.