At InsectBiotech, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a driving force behind our entire approach. Our recent collaboration with Quantis to conduct a Screening Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) has revealed some useful insights on our current and future impact on the environment.
Here’s a closer look at the study and its findings.
Why conduct a screening LCA?
InsectBiotech’s mission led us to evaluate the environmental footprint of three key products: insect meal, insect oil, and frass (organic biostimulant fertiliser).
The goal was to identify environmental impact drivers and find opportunities to reduce carbon emissions across the production process. The study focused on factors such as energy use, feedstock sourcing, and emissions, particularly exploring the role of renewable energy and olive pomace as a sustainable input.
Key insights from the study
1. Environmentally friendly products
- Insect meal: With a carbon footprint as low as 0.5 kg CO₂ eq/kg in the optimal production scenario, our insect meal is set to perform better than traditional protein sources like poultry meal (1.2 kg CO₂ eq/kg) and soy protein concentrate (4 kg CO₂ eq/kg).
- Insect oil: This shows an even lower impact, at 0.3 kg CO₂ eq/kg, due to efficient economic allocation during production.
- Insect frass: As an organic biostimulant fertiliser, frass stands out with a footprint of just 0.05 kg CO₂ eq/kg, far outperforming synthetic NPK fertilizers commonly used in Europe (1.1-1.7 kg CO₂ eq/kg).
2. The power of olive pomace
We’re leveraging a unique byproduct—olive pomace, a residue from olive oil production—as a primary feedstock. This underutilized material not only aligns with our circular economy principles but also significantly reduces our environmental impact. However, securing a reliable, low-cost supply is essential to maximize sustainability gains.
3. Renewable energy is a game-changer
The study highlights the critical role of renewable energy in reducing emissions:
- Transitioning to 80% solar-powered electricity and 100% solar heat could drastically lower the carbon footprint of production processes.
- By adopting renewable sources, we reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and unlock new possibilities for low-carbon insect farming.
4. A competitive edge
Our products not only excel in sustainability but also compete effectively with conventional alternatives:
- Insect meal and oil’s carbon footprints outperform fish and poultry meal depending on production scenarios.
- Frass outperforms synthetic fertilizers, presenting an eco-friendly solution for sustainable farming.
Beyond carbon: Methane insights
The study also explored methane emissions associated with composting olive pomace. Early findings indicate that methane emissions from well-managed composting processes are minimal, adding another layer of environmental benefit to our operations.
Why this matters
As the world grapples with climate change, InsectBiotech is committed to being part of the solution. By creating high-quality, low-carbon products, we’re not just feeding a growing population—we’re doing so in harmony with the planet.
Please stay in touch with us as we continue to innovate and begin building our first large factories during 2026 and beyond.
Want to learn more about our journey or collaborate with us? Contact us here