INTERVIEW F&A Alternative Proteins Edition October 2023 25 waste from national supermarkets like Woolworths and restaurants and household waste, feeds our insect farms, and these insects (Black Soldier Flies) in turn, become the source of protein and fertilizer. It's an integrated system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource use. You have a solution that you call “modular waste management units”. Could you tell us about the function of these units, how they work, who they are more suitable for, and of course the advantages/ opportunities they offer? Modular waste management units are compact, climate controlled, fully autonomous systems designed to process organic waste at scale. They house insect colonies that consume the waste, effectively converting it into useful products. These units are particularly beneficial for businesses generating high volumes of organic waste, such as restaurants or food processors. The key advantages include on-site waste processing, lower waste management costs, and production of valuable by-products. How many of your business partners are currently using these units? How can your business partners utilise the recycled products (insects or insect-based products) obtained from these units? As of now, several dozen business partners are utilizing these units. The two by-products created from regenerating food waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill are sold as commodities in agriculture. The first is insect protein for livestock feed including poultry, aquaculture and pets. The high protein levels and nutrient content of our insect protein results in an excellent animal feed. The second is frass or the manure of the insects which is processed into an effective organic fertilizer that promotes soil health and plant growth. Partners can either purchase these by-products or enter revenue-sharing agreements, thus closing the loop in the waste-to-value chain. What can you say about the cost and recovery of investing in such a unit? The initial investment is offset by multiple avenues of cost recovery: reduced waste management costs, potential revenue from by-products, and even tax incentives in some jurisdictions. Typically, ROI is achieved within 1-3 years depending on waste volume and local economic factors. Doesn't the waste you feed your insects pose a risk to animal and human health? Because food waste can often be spoilt and contaminated with various toxins. How do you preserve or select this waste? Safety is paramount. We subject incoming waste to rigorous screening and quality checks to eliminate contaminants and toxins. Our automated systems also enable precise control over the feeding process, further ensuring that only suitable waste is utilized. You have recently formed a partnership with Future Green Solutions. Could you tell us a bit about Future Green Solutions and the purpose and scope of this partnership? Founded by Luke Wheat in Perth (Western Australia) in 2012, Future Green Solutions was inspired by the potential of black soldier flies to convert low-value organic waste into high-value products. Today, Future Green Solutions is the leading supplier of high quality BSF eggs. Enabled by a world class managed breeding program and a decade of
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