INNOVATION Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 45 to the raw materials cycle. With a high-quality organic fertilizer based on insect frass, it is also possible to encourage contract farmers to fertilize their agricultural land in a CO2-neutral way. This way, the farmers can also help their products to have a lower ecological footprint, which in turn has a positive effect on the CCF balance of the processing company. PLUG-AND-PLAY TECHNOLOGY FOR FAST IMPLEMENTATION REPLOID’s decentralized rearing system, housed in modular containers, includes advanced ventilation and climate control, allowing for quick and easy implementation. This plug-and-play design empowers producers to start operations swiftly, without the need for complex setup. “When designing the system, we aimed to stay as close to the agricultural context as possible; there’s no need for costly and over-engineered equipment to grow BSF larvae,” says Dr. Jonas Finck, Chief Biological Officer of REPLOID. Each ReFarmUnit can convert 40 tons of wet agri-food byproducts into approximately 8 tons of fresh larvae per day on a footprint of roughly 1,500 square meters. The entire process can be managed by a single operator working an eight-hour shift, five days a week. REPLOID AS A BSF KNOWLEDGE HUB What sets REPLOID apart from competitors is their ability to utilize a wide variety of organic side-streams as feed substrates. By feeding the larvae EU-approved materials that border on organic waste, Reploid taps into the remarkable sustainability of BSF larvae. These larvae thrive on low-value, waste-like but approved feed streams, transforming them into high-quality, eco-friendly products. “Being part of an enterprise which mimics the nature-based process of organic matter decomposition motivates us to get better every day. New insights in feed recipe development, like micronutrient levels, are directly implemented into our ReFarmUnits, ensuring the efficiency of the process is always our highest priority,” says Dr. Moritz Gold, Head of Innovation at REPLOID. A FULLY INTEGRATED VALUE CHAIN FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE REPLOID’s involvement doesn’t end at production. Further along the value chain, the company collaborates with key partners to process the larvae, creating a range of refined products that can be utilized in animal feed, additives, and other applications. By focusing on both upstream and downstream activities, REPLOID ensures that the entire process, from larvae growth to product refinement, operates with maximum efficiency and sustainability. This comprehensive approach gives REPLOID significant control over the quality and scalability of its insect protein products, which, in turn, benefits their agricultural partners and the broader food production ecosystem. Through these strategic partnerships, REPLOID is not only producing sustainable, high-quality feed but also contributing to a circular economy where organic by-products are repurposed into valuable resources. By rethinking insect protein production from start to finish, REPLOID is setting a new standard in sustainable agriculture and driving a future where environmentally friendly practices are at the heart of food and feed industries. About Vincent Reda Vincent Reda brings over 7 years of expertise in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production to his role as Head of Performance Management at REPLOID Group AG. Having worked with industry leaders such as Hermetia Baruth and Better Insect Solutions, Vincent joined Reploid in January 2024, where his extensive experience continues to drive innovation and operational excellence.
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