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The impact and outcomes

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) farming reduces environmental impact and enables sustainability.

According to research at Wageningen University, insect farms show reductions in land use, greenhouse gas emissions, water and non-renewable energy use by between 40 to 97%

89
potential reduction in CO₂ emissions

In comparison to soy protein concentrate it can lower CO₂ emissions by 89%.

0.01
kgs per kg of product

Insect frass, which is used in fertiliser, can have CO₂ footprint of 0.01 kgs per kg of product. This is significantly lower than alternatives.

99 %
less land usage

Insect oil product significantly reduces land usage, using up to 99% less land compared to coconut oil.

99.8 %
less water usage

Insect meat uses 99.8% less water compared to poultry meat, which is most often used in pet food as a high protein source.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction

BSFL farms reduce methane emissions by promoting aerobic decomposition of organic waste instead of anaerobic decomposition in landfills or other uses.

They emit lower levels of nitrous oxide compared to traditional composting methods due to efficient nitrogen conversion by the larvae. BSFL convert carbon and nitrogen from waste into their biomass, sequestering carbon and reducing emissions of CO2, ammonia, and nitrous oxide.

Our farms also offer significant methane reductions by converting waste from olive oil mill pomace ponds into our products.

Resource efficiency and circular economy

BSFL farms promote a circular economy by recycling nutrients from organic waste back into the food production system, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

The frass (insect manure) produced by BSFL is a potent organic fertiliser for agriculture that can replace synthetic fertilisers.

BSFL provide a sustainable alternative protein source for animal feed and potentially human nutrition, reducing pressure on land and water resources.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Findings

LCA studies show that BSFL bioconversion processes have a lower global warming potential compared to other waste management methods.

Insect meal can reduce CO2 emissions by 78% compared to poultry meal and 89% compared to soy protein concentrate.

Insect oil uses 99% less land compared to coconut oil, and insect meat uses 99.8% less water compared to poultry meat.

Soil health and economic benefits

BSFL frass improves soil health and structure, promoting better plant growth and resilience.

BSFL technology offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for managing organic waste, particularly beneficial for developing countries.

Alongside our Spain operations we are building partnerships now, to enable us to operate sustainable and profitable farms in India, Africa and Indonesia.

Our BSFL farms offer huge greenhouse gas emissions reduction, promote nutrient recycling and provide sustainable protein sources.

More about InsectBiotech’s farms and their impact

Our modern factories will use state of the art low impact technology and waste processing.  They will use circular emissions reduction technology and heat and water recovery.

Here’s what insect farming can do for impact reduction, a brief summary:

  • Reduction in methane emissions

    Traditional waste management methods, such as landfilling and open composting, often result in significant methane (CH₄) emissions due to anaerobic decomposition. BSFL composting, however, is primarily an aerobic process, which significantly reduces methane production.

  • Carbon and nitrogen conversion – Enhanced carbon sequestration

    BSFL can convert a significant portion of the carbon in organic waste into larval biomass. This process sequesters carbon that would otherwise be released as CO₂ during decomposition.

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) findings

    Lower global warming potential: Life cycle assessments of BSFL bioconversion processes have shown that they have a lower global warming potential compared to other waste management methods. This is due to the combined effects of reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions, efficient carbon and nitrogen conversion, and the production of valuable by-products that can replace more carbon-intensive products.

  • Soil health improvement

    Enhanced soil structure: The frass produced by BSFL contains essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and structure, promoting better plant growth and resilience.

  • Reduction in synthetic fertiliser use

    The frass produced by BSFL is a potent organic fertiliser that can replace synthetic fertilisers, reducing the environmental impact associated with their production and use.

  • Lower nitrous oxide emissions

    Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is another potent greenhouse gas commonly emitted during the decomposition of organic waste. BSFL bioconversion processes have been found to emit lower levels of nitrous oxide compared to traditional composting methods. This is partly due to the efficient nitrogen conversion by the larvae, which reduces the availability of nitrogen for N₂O production.

  • Efficient nitrogen utilization

    The larvae also convert nitrogen in the waste into their biomass, reducing the amount of nitrogen that could be emitted as ammonia (NH₃) or nitrous oxide. This efficient nitrogen conversion helps in minimizing nitrogen-related GHG emissions.

  • Improved waste management practices

    Reduction in Landfill Use: By diverting organic waste from landfills, BSFL farms help reduce the overall volume of waste that undergoes anaerobic decomposition, thereby cutting down methane emissions from landfills.

  • Faster decomposition rates

    BSFL can process organic waste much faster than traditional composting methods, which reduces the time during which GHG emissions can occur. This rapid processing also means that less waste is left to decompose anaerobically.

  • Resource efficiency and circular economy – Nutrient recycling

    BSFL farms promote a circular economy by recycling nutrients from organic waste back into the food production system. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers and minimizes the depletion of natural resources.

  • Sustainable protein production

    Alternative Protein Source: BSFL provide a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources like soy and fishmeal, which are associated with high environmental costs. This can alleviate pressure on land and water resources and reduce deforestation and overfishing.

    High Efficiency: BSFL are highly efficient at converting low-value organic waste into high-quality protein for feed and fat, making them a valuable resource for animal feed and potentially human nutrition in the future.

  • Economic and social benefits

    Cost-effective waste management: BSFL technology offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for managing organic waste, which can be particularly beneficial for developing countries struggling with waste management issues. Black soldier fly larvae farms provide a revolutionary approach to environmental sustainability by reducing waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, promoting nutrient recycling, and offering a sustainable source of protein.

    These benefits align well with the principles of a circular economy and contribute to more sustainable agricultural and waste management practices.