A conceptual framework for the analysis of supply- and demand side barriers was elaborated: improving analysis of barriers and risk management; exploring strategies for commercialisation; understanding consumer acceptance; and identifying best practices and policy options for successful commercialisation. This included the development of a roadmap for sectoral transformation, launched at a EU stakeholder workshop. The stakeholder platform was established as a forum between project partners and stakeholders. For insect rearing, a database of substrate pre-treatments was constructed and feed experiments have been performed. Work on transport, diseases, and pest species will result in healthier insects and a safer rearing environment. Novel processing techniques were optimised for industrial implementation and can be applied either for preservation (nitrogen storage, water immersion), decontamination (low-energy electron beam, high-moisture extrusion), or to prolong shelf life (dielectric drying, tricanter centrifugation). For insects as feed, digestibility trials were done and data can be used by feed companies to formulate diets with insect meals. The low consistency of insect batches led to different digestibility results which remain a challenge to be solved. Results for the use of insect meals in feed show that globally, insect meals are suitable protein sources that well sustain animal growth. Results were dependent on animal species, insect source, and age of the animals. For insects as food, 6 dinner products were developed and consumer studies were done in Denmark and Portugal. Results highlighted the importance of sensory qualities. Weekly meat protein replacement was 5.5% vs 9.0% in plant control. To integrate insects into diets, strategies must focus on appealing products and individual values. Scientific data on chemical and microbiological substrate safety can be used by policymakers and industry to ensure safe production for feed and (novel) foods. Insights into metabolization of mycotoxins has great potential for exploitation, after further investigation. Guidelines for safe production and processing will be disseminated. A modular LCA approach to fulfil the known knowledge gaps in environmental impact assessment and cost analysis was developed. Results were used to design multiple potential insect production scenarios, further analysed to define the optimal production chains from a sustainability perspective (economic, environmental and social factors). Analyses became the basis for the second online DSS tool, which allows to define the optimal production chains according to the variations in insect species, feeds, scale of production and potential location.
