ISSUE FOCUS 52 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2022 INSECT PROTEIN - A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE Protein is an essential building block of animal feed. Yet many of the common sources of protein cause global warming, water shortages, deforestation and a loss of biodiversity. To address this challenge, Protix is pioneering the industrial-scale use of insects as a sustainable alternative that brings the food system back into balance with nature. THE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGE The animal feed industry faces multiple challenges: achieving greater sustainability, ensuring high-performance feed, safeguarding animal welfare and creating tasty feed products that will stimulate appetite. But how can these challenges be addressed cost-effectively and for the long-term? IN TUNE WITH NATURE The impacts of global warming can no longer be ignored. As society gains a better understanding of our impact on the environment, there is growing demand for a return to a more natural way of doing things with a lower environmental footprint. That includes how we produce animal feed for livestock and aqua culture. Currently, the protein in animal feed is derived largely from soy and fishmeal. But these use up large amounts of land and water, and there are issues surrounding greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and overfishing. Alternative sources of protein are needed that are more in tune with nature. NATURE’S NATURAL UPCYCLERS One source of protein attracting a lot of interest is insects. Insects are part of the natural diet for many animals and fish. They are a source of valuable nutrients that contribute to healthy growth and development. Insects are nature’s most powerful upcyclers and are the missing link in our food system. They have the amazing ability to turn low-grade food waste into valuable high-end proteins and fats. The larvae of the black soldier fly (Latin name: hermetia illucens) contain more nutrients than the larvae of other insects because the mature insect does not eat, and has to live off the accumulated reserves. The black soldier fly larvae are able to efficiently convert feedstuff into valuable biomass in a very short cycle. The larvae are processed into powerful ingredients for feed and food. A POSITIVE MESSAGE Protix's industrial-scale production of insect protein using the black soldier fly is the result of over a decade of technological innovation and commercial investment. It was essential to create the right machinery, processes and conditions to enable production on a large scale to satisfy market demand. Suzanne van den Eshof Director Marketing & Business Development Protix
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