Shifts in diets and a rising population to 9.5 billion by 2050 will see livestock and aquaculture demand increase by over 70%. Growth is dependent on protein feed availability, generating a constant and increasing pressure on both plant and animal production (FAO, 2013). The animal and aquaculture feed market is currently dependent on soymeal and fishmeal as main sources of protein feed, which are already suffering the consequences of disproportionately high demand. In addition, the effects of climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity and food insecurity are becoming more widely felt and are exacerbated further by exponential growth in human population. Innovation in agriculture is vital. The inefficiencies of the globe’s food system are also intensified by the vast amount of food waste that humans produce. Around 88 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in the EU alone, with associated costs estimated at 143 billion euros (European Commission, 2016a). It is therefore imperative for both animal feed and waste management industries to support and encourage innovation in order to find new sustainable solutions. Entocycle is producing insect based protein feed to sustainably feed the world, replacing destructive fish, and soya meal. Through its innovative technology, Entocycle farms and processes H. illucens, commonly known as Black Soldier Fly (BSF), whilst offering a sustainable system of organic waste conversion. BSF larvae consume waste and convert it into fertiliser whilst extracting and transforming nutrients into protein, lipids and chitin. By integrating organic waste and protein and production through BSF rearing, a circular economy-based system is created. Entocycle digitally optimises natures capabilities by integrating the latest technologies and advanced engineering in its processes, achieving superior efficiencies and yields. The objectives of this study were to assess the technical and economic viability of Entocycle’s solution to inform its business plan.
