Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS October 2025 43 As the European Union is striving to develop its circular economy, insect farming is often presented as an innovative solution that can reconcile food waste management and protein production. Beyond the buzz, can insect farming really deliver on circularity without compromising on quality, safety, competitiveness, and welfare? CIRCULARITY AS A LAST RESORT Industrial insect farming is starting to soar in Europe. Initially touted as a ‘sustainable’ form of agriculture by comparison with other livestock systems, it is now clear that insect farming is essentially about insects being used as feed for animals. This growing industry is predominantly driven by a need to feed other farm animals reared in intensive systems or, as long as this remains unprofitable, to enter premium pet food formulas. The claim that farming insects pollutes less than producing cow meat fails to consider the bigger picture. What is the true cost of using insects to replace soymeal, fishmeal, or pet food ingredients? Insect farming is an additional step in the food chain, feeding on crops, vegetables or feed-grade by-products and taking their place in the diet of farmed and companion animals. Essentially, it upholds an already unsustainable status quo. In its current form, insect farming makes food systems lengthier, and is not circular at all. It comes as no surprise that its environmental impact is higher than most pet food ingredients (including animal by-products), and up to 13.5 times higher than soybean (4.2 times higher than fishmeal) (Ricardo Ltd., 2024, see Figure 2). This reality, combined with the industry’s economic difficulties, has led many to question the purpose of the sector. Some insect businesses and representatives have come up with propositions that “Circularity may be the latest buzzword to find purpose in an insect farming industry that has given up on having a transformative effect on food systems, yet, under scrutiny, the use of food waste appears more counterproductive than anything. Any sustainability or economic gain made by feeding insects on food waste fails to make insect protein a competitive and environmentally beneficial alternative to animal feed or pet food. Besides, the food safety and animal welfare risks surrounding insect farming are exacerbated when relying on true waste streams.” CAN INSECT PROTEIN BE CIRCULAR WITHOUT COMPROMISING? Francis Maugère Insects Political Adviser Eurogroup for Animals
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