October 2025 - Issue 6 Eleni Ntokou, Unibio Alternative proteins and industrial symbiosis in a circular bioeconomy Steven Barbosa, IPIFF Institutions unite behind insects for a competitive and sustainable europe David Fluker, Soldier Fly Technologies Using data and AI to define the future of insect farming www.feedandadditive.com by Feed Additive Magazine Alternative Proteins INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE FOR ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS TO ANIMAL FEED Contribution of Alternative Proteins to the Circular Economy Understanding Feed Proteins in Animal Nutrition
Publisher Muhammed Akatay akatay@feedandadditive.com Editor-in-Chief Derya Gülsoy Yıldız derya@feedandadditive.com Editor Zeynep Demirkaya editor@feedandadditive.com Advertising Coordinator Özlem Akatay ozlem@feedandadditive.com Sales & Marketing Berfin Onğulu berfin@feedandadditive.com SM Marketing Lisa Atakul marketing@feedandadditive.com Art Director Burak Varol graphic@feedandadditive.com Circulation & Data Responsible Amine Şengün info@threeplusmedia.com Ataturk St. Metropol Istanbul Ste. Block C1, No:376 Atasehir, Istanbul/TURKEY Phone: +90 850 220 5064 E-Mail: info@feedandadditive.com Web: www.feedandadditive.com Publication Type: Periodic (Twice a year) EDITOR The animal feed industry remains largely dependent on soy and fishmeal. However, these two sources present serious hurdles to sustainability due to environmental pressures, supply risks, and rising costs. The industry is no longer just looking for "more protein," but for "smarter protein sources." Alternative proteins, especially insects and single-cell proteins (SCPs) produced by microorganisms, are at the heart of this transformation. Yet, the value of these sources is no longer determined solely by production efficiency, but by the extent to which they contribute to the circular economy. Insect farming, in particular, stands out for its potential to convert food waste into high-value feed protein. However, some experts argue that these wastes could also be utilized directly in feed formulations. The sustainability of insect farming seems closely linked to material used for feeding. Some life cycle analyses show that environmental impacts can be significantly reduced if by-products that cannot be used as human food are utilized in insect feed. However, significant legal barriers still stand in the way of this. Expanding permits for by-product use and diversifying raw materials could accelerate the sector's transition to circularity. Another important point is logistics. Insect farms fed with by-products need to be close to waste sources; otherwise, transport costs could overshadow the environmental benefits. On the other hand, single-cell proteins also present a strong alternative for valorizing industrial side streams. Ultimately, whether insect or microorganism- based, the true potential of alternative proteins lies not only in production technology but also in innovative resource management. The circular economy approach will minimize the environmental impact of these new proteins while also determining the future resilience of the feed sector. In this issue, as we discuss the place of alternative proteins in the circular economy, we return once again to the question: What resources and approaches are we truly relying on to build a sustainable feed chain? Hope to see you in the next issue… The Role of Alternative Proteins in the Circular Economy Derya Gulsoy Yildiz © Three Plus Media | All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. *DISCLAIMER: All views and ideas expressed in articles published in the magazine reflect the point of views of the author(s), not that of the Editor-in-Chief, Editors, Editorial Board or Publisher of Feed & Additive Magazine. The Editor-in-Chief, Editors, Editorial Board and Publisher assume no responsibility or liability in such cases. The publisher does not give any warranty and representation to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and data published in the magazine. All responsibility of the contents, articles and information published in the magazine belongs to the authors. The publisher and the authors cannot be held responsible for any damages resulting from the use of the whole or part of the content of the magazine. feedandadditive Alternative Proteins +
Sustainability goals and raw material scarcity mean by-products from the food and beverage industry is now seen as a viable, nutritious source of energy for animals. Trouw Nutrition offers solutions to help the industry use resources more efficiently and move towards a circular, more sustainable economy. THE BENEFITS FOOD2FEED QUALITY Reduce landfill Upcycle by-products Maintain nutritional value Sustainable alternatives that make a little go a long way Learn more, visit www.selko.com
CON T E N T S 30 ISSUE FOCUS CONTRIBUTION OF ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY 29 INSECTS: THE MISSING LINK IN FEED CIRCULARITY Salamahafifi Yusnaieny, Protenga 32 CLOSING THE LOOP: THE CIRCULAR POTENTIAL OF NOVEL INGREDIENTS Aashish Khimasia, Centre for Feed Innovation 36 BLACK SOLDIER FLY: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS Dr. Solomie Gebrezgabher, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) 40 BLACK SOLDIER FLY FARMING: A GREENER FUTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE FEED Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann, Better Insect Solutions 43 CAN INSECT PROTEIN BE CIRCULAR WITHOUT COMPROMISING? Francis Maugère, Eurogroup for Animals 20 THE ROLE OF ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS AND INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS IN A CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY Eleni Ntokou, Unibio 24 REVOLUTIONIZING FOOD SYSTEMS BY TURNING ORGANIC WASTE INTO HIGH-VALUE PROTEINS Dr. Greg Wanger, Oberland Agriscience Inc.
CON T E N T S 58 USING DATA AND AI TO DEFINE THE FUTURE OF INSECT FARMING David Fluker, Soldier Fly Technologies TECHNOLOGY Marsapet unveils vegan wet dog food 14 Volare secures €26M to build high-efficiency protein plant 15 Calysta’s FeedKind Pet protein proven safe for dogs in long-term study 16 IPIFF Secretary General: Insect meal is key to sustainable EU aquaculture 17 Goterra unveils first large-scale insect protein rendering trial 08 Insect meal commercialisation in aquaculture enters new stage 13 BeneMeat launches cultivated meat program for dogs 11 NEWS MARKET REPORT UNDERSTANDING FEED PROTEINS IN ANIMAL NUTRITION 62 Derya Gulsoy Yıldız, Feed & Additive Magazine INTERVIEWS 48 54 INSTITUTIONS UNITE BEHIND INSECTS FOR A COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE EUROPE Steven Barbosa, IPIFF INSIDE TEBRIO’S OFARM: WORLD’S LARGEST MEALWORM PRODUCTION FACILITY José Ángel Sanz, Tebrio
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS 6 October 2025 In a move to expand the company’s Board of Management, the Supervisory Board of Big Dutchman appointed Ulf Meyer as Chief Development Officer (CDO), which took effect 1 October 2025. The 54-year-old business administration graduate is responsible for the group’s investment companies. These currently include SKOV and Better Insect Solutions in Denmark, Inno+ in the Netherlands, Zucami in Spain, the local companies Högemann, Bosche Systembau, Hellmann and Willoh, the horticulture business, and more. Meyer is also responsible for sales activities relating to digital solutions for farmers and innovative new developments. Ulf Meyer was the Head of Region at the group’s headquarters in Vechta-Calveslage and responsible for the markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Bernd Meerpohl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Big Dutchman AG and member of the shareholder family, says, “With Ulf Meyer, we are adding an experienced colleague to the Board of Management. He knows our family business very well and has played a decisive role in shaping the company in various positions for decades.” The Board of Management of Big Dutchman AG thus consists of CEO Steffen Bersch, CFO Erkul Basaran, COO Dr. Thomas Dalstein and CDO Ulf Meyer in future. Read more>> Ulf Meyer becomes new CDO of Big Dutchman The results of a study by the Federal University of Paraiba in Brazil show that the inclusion of ProteinX, Protix’s black soldier fly protein, can improve the skin barrier of dogs and strengthen their antioxidant defences. The findings, published in Archives of Animal Nutrition, are particularly good news for dogs that suffer from skin diseases or allergies, Protix points out. Versatile ProteinX can be incorporated into a variety of end products, from wet food to kibble and (nutritional) treats, so the study opens up various opportunities for manufacturers to develop healthy pet products. The skin barrier acts as an important defence mechanism in dogs. An effective skin barrier is essential for maintaining hydration. It protects against allergens, viruses, bacteria and environmental toxins, and ultimately helps to keep the overall skin healthy. According to the announcement, there was a noted improvement in skin barrier function when the canines consumed the ProteinX-based diet. Transepidermal water loss decreased at both the pinna and belly, indicating improved water retention. There was also a significant increase in stratum corneum hydration at the belly (the outermost layer of the skin serving as the primary barrier between the body and the environment), suggesting enhanced skin hydration. Protix explains that ProteinX contains relatively high concentrations of lauric acid and linoleic acid which may account for the improvements in skin barrier function and water retention. Read more>> New Study: Insect protein enhances skin barrier and antioxidant defences for dogs Ulf Meyer Photo: Big Dutchman
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS October 2025 7 Loopworm, one of India's leading insect biotechnology companies, secured approval from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) of India, certifying the direct use of Loopworm's protein and fat products as additives, attractants, and palatants in aquaculture nutrition and health at the farm level. The company highlights this approval as showing a paradigm shift, allowing Loopworm's products to directly serve aqua feed supplement and additive manufacturers. The CAA approval opens an entirely new domain for Loopworm, enabling the company to bridge the gap of palatability and attractability for aquaculture feed additives products, according to the announcement. It will support farmers in challenging weather conditions and early disease incidents, as well as improve feed consumption rates for farmed fish and crustaceans, providing direct nutritional supplementation at the farm level. The brand has started with exports of its insect protein powder (i.e, insect meal) to one of the leading global salmon feed manufacturers, making a mark in sustainable aquaculture. Multiple commercial consignments have been shipped to one of the largest clients in the salmon feed space. With this regulatory milestone, Loopworm will reportedly cater to both feed manufacturers and the broader aquaculture supplement ecosystem, expanding its addressable market in India's growing aquaculture sector. Read more>> Loopworm insect protein approved for India Photo: Andritz The insect-biotech company Nasekomo, owned by French entrepreneurs and operating in Sofia, Bulgaria, says it consistently achieved ~25 grams of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) eggs per cubic meter per day across its reproduction enclosures in its industrial operation, positioning the system as deployment-ready for mid- to large-scale customers. The sustained industrial operating result in BSF reproduction is measured on the effective volume of reproduction enclosures under routine production. The performance figure is expressed per effective reproduction-enclosure volume to provide a clear and comparable indicator of system efficiency without disclosing company intellectual property. The daily result is derived from routine production days and reflects the company’s standard operating environment. The company highlights that at the heart of this milestone stands its Multiplication center “MultiFly” - the genetics and breeding nucleus that multiplies elite insect lines and ensures a reliable supply of high-performance neonates. “This is a daily operating level reflecting a mature, production-grade setup operating at scale,” said Marc Bolard, co-founder and CEO of Nasekomo and a recently joined member of Management Board of the reputable international organization of insect producers IPIFF. The company also operates its suspension technology to further improve its product delivery internally but also to send the genetic resources to its network of clients around the world. Read more>> Nasekomo reports stable industrial BSF eggs production rate Photo: Nasekomo
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS 8 October 2025 Goterra announced the successful completion of its first large-scale rendering trial, marking a significant milestone in the commercialisation of insect protein in Australia. Conducted using larvae aggregated from all operational sites and processed with an external regional NSW rendering partner, Goterra explained that the trial produced insect meal containing >70% protein and ~12% fat, exceeding industry requirements, outperforming conventional benchmarks like soymeal and more in line with premium fish meals. “This trial validates a core part of our thesis,” said Olympia Yarger, CEO of Goterra. “Aggregated food waste inputs don’t compromise protein quality. It's a key step forward in demonstrating the consistency and scalability of our product.” This successful trial also marks a deliberate and strategic step in Goterra’s evolution by externalising the rendering process and focusing on core competencies in organics waste processing technology and protein production, according to the announcement. Outsourcing the rendering of BSF meal, oil, and tallow creates better pathways to scale more efficiently and deliver on the current infrastructure gap for food waste processing in Australia. The trial follows the announcement of a landmark partnership between Goterra and Skretting Australia in 2024 to integrate insect protein meal into aquaculture feed. As global demand for sustainable, traceable feedstocks increases, partnerships like this are critical to accelerating Australia’s circular economy. Read more>> Researchers from UK-based Kent University, working with a local farm, found promising results in the sustainable growth of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) – which offer an innovative way of tackling food waste, environmental impact and cost. Working with bio conversion hub producer Inspro, the researchers from Kent’s School of Natural Sciences have tested a novel bio-conversion unit (BCU) based at Bank Farm in Aldington to assess its viability for extensive BSFL production at an industrial scale. This provides real-world analysis of how BSFL could be used to provide an eco-friendly approach to animal feed. BSFL are recognised as a sustainable feed additive for livestock and can help create a more complete system for farms by recycling food waste into eco-friendly protein and fertiliser. The BCU’s effectiveness in converting organic byproducts into valuable biomass through the production of BSFL was assessed to reduce the farm’s reliance on environmentally taxing feed sources, such as soy and fishmeal. The researchers analysed the gut microbiome of the larvae to understand how it behaves when reared on different waste diets at a large scale. They found that larvae reared on low-bioburden substrate (waste with very few germs) in the BCU demonstrated comparable or improved protein and fat content compared to those reared on animal feed. Read more>> Goterra unveils first large-scale insect protein rendering trial BSFL research shows promise for eco-friendly feed Photo: Goterra Photo: TaraPatta | Shutterstock
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS October 2025 9 © Kemin Industries, Inc. arid its group of companies 2025. All rights reserved. ® '" Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A. Certain statements maynot be applicable in all geographical regions. Products labeling and associated claims maydiffer basedupon governmentrequirements and be subjectto differentregulatoryrequirements depending on the countryofuse.
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS 10 October 2025 A peer-reviewed analysis, published in the prestigious Nature journal npj Sustainable Agriculture, has found that efforts to incorporate edible insects into Western diets face a number of consumer acceptance barriers. These barriers, which are psychological, taste-, culture- and price-related in nature, challenge the long-standing assumption that farmed insects have the potential to replace traditionally farmed meat as a source of dietary protein. Authored by an international team of academics from the UK, USA and Europe, "Beyond the Buzz: Insect-based Foods are Unlikely to Significantly Reduce Meat Consumption", evaluates the likelihood of insect-based foods in replacing meat from farmed animals, when compared to alternatives including plantbased proteins and lab-grown meat. The study notes that the successful inclusion of any new food product in Western diets depends on a number of factors, but crucial is the willingness of consumers to try a product. Analysis of earlier research on consumer acceptance rates of alternative proteins indicates the highest acceptance is for plantbased meats, with a reported ‘willingness to try’ reaching as high as 91%. In contrast, farmed insects show the lowest acceptance of any alternative proteins, with reported ‘willingness to try’ routinely scoring in the 20% region. Beyond the Buzz notes that the main barrier to market acceptance of farmed insects is "the psychological rejection experienced by consumers, predominantly feelings of disgust”. Read more>> New Study: Insect-based foods unlikely to replace meat in Western diets The CRAFT Consortium, consisting of RespectFarms, Wageningen University & Research, Mosa Meat, Aleph Farms, Multus, Kipster, and Royal Kuijpers, started designing and building the world’s first cultivated meat farm, paving the way for commercialisation. Co-funded by EIT Food, the project has been awarded the first €2 million of a €4 million grant request. This landmark initiative is expected to enable farmers to diversify their businesses with cultivated meat technology—reducing water consumption by 78%, land use by 95%, and societal cost by 56%. “It is important for food innovations to stay as close as possible to primary food production, making use of local resources and waste streams,” says René Wijffels, Professor at Wageningen University, Bioprocess Engineering. “This represents the first effort globally to merge cellular and traditional farming and promises to deliver consumers the best of both worlds: the unrivalled experience of real meat, through products produced and sold locally. The project will deliver a business model that is fundamentally new on one hand and centuries old on the other, and will add new perspective, also for farmers, to agriculture as we know it. Mosa Meat has been part of this development from the get-go and we are more than happy to support the project with our knowledge and experience across the various steps of this revolutionary technology,” remarks Peter Verstrate, Co-founder and COO at Mosa Meat BV. Read more>> World’s first cultivated meat farm receives €2m support
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS October 2025 11 BeneMeat launched the Try & Share Program, inviting those who want to provide products based on cultivated meat to their four-legged friends and share their experiences. The company points out that the program opens up the possibility for EU citizens to test dog treats rich in cultivated meat. Other cultivated products will reportedly follow in the EU soon, followed by other territories once the regulatory approvals are granted. The program offers an opportunity for those who want to actively participate in the development of top-quality cultivated products that are unconditionally safe, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly. Developed together with established pet food producers and overseen by veterinarians, BeneMeat Cultivated Dog Treats meet the highest safety standards while ensuring excellent digestibility, according to BeneMeat’s statement. The dog treat trial builds on successful safety and digestibility testing of complete cat food conducted at a prestigious European university. The program’s primary goal is to help producers collect long-term, meaningful feedback from real potential customers. The program’s primary goal is explained as to provide producers with long-term, meaningful feedback from real potential customers. Its second goal is to build awareness and interest in cultivated meat as it moves from curiosity to a genuine new choice for consumers. BeneMeat invited dogs and their owners to take part in this pioneering journey by signing up online. Read more>> BeneMeat launches cultivated meat program for dogs Photo: Freepik BioCraft Pet Nutrition™, a biotech company that develops animal cell-cultured ingredients for the pet food market, released the results of a new product carbon footprint analysis, conducted in collaboration with ClimatePartner, a solution provider supporting companies on their journey towards net zero. The analysis showed that its proprietary BioCrafted Meat™ emits one-twelfth of the carbon dioxide of conventional beef byproducts used in pet food. According to the analysis, based on standard EU beef production processes, a hypothetical beef byproduct emits 21.28 kg CO₂ per kilogram—in comparison, BioCrafted Meat produces just 1.73 kg CO₂ per kilogram. The calculation was based on internationally recognized methodologies, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (GHG Protocol) and the Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard (PDF), using emission factors from trusted databases such as ecoinvent, Agri-footprint, and DEFRA. According to the company's statement, the comparison to byproducts not typically consumed by humans—like offal, bones, blood, and fat—rather than prime beef cuts is significant because the pet food industry, and consumers, often regard these byproducts as sustainable, low-impact alternatives. Read more>> New Analysis: BioCraft ingredient emits 1/12 less CO2 than beef byproducts Photo: BioCraft
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS 12 October 2025 Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2023, BSFCON 2025 brought together the world’s leading minds across science and industry to unlock the full potential of Hermetia illucens, also known as the Black Soldier Fly. The event took place on 8–10 September 2025 in Cambridge, UK. Organised jointly by the University of Cambridge, Better Origin, FreezeM, and Innovafeed, BSFCON remains the only international conference fully dedicated to the Black Soldier Fly. From cutting-edge research to industrial breakthroughs, this unique event offers a 360° view of one of the most promising species for sustainable transformation. As global interest in insect-based solutions grows, BSFCON provideed a crucial platform to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, buyers and policy-makers advancing the future of feed, food, fuel, and waste valorisation through Black Soldier Fly innovation. According to the announcement, whether you're working on upscaling production systems or pioneering bio-conversion technologies, BSFCON is the place to learn, collaborate, and lead. The 2025 edition of the event included: • Expert-led sessions on physiology, genetics, nutrition, feedstocks, behaviour, and automation, • Keynotes from global academic and industry pioneers, • Poster sessions and interactive workshops, • High-value networking opportunities with the global BSF ecosystem. The new Industry Day, an exclusive addition to the 2025 program, put real-world application in the spotlight. Read more>> Global Black Soldier Fly experts unite at BSFCON 2025 Set on 1,300 hectares of historic fish farming land, the Končanica Project in Croatia marks a significant step forward in circular bioeconomy, combining aquaculture, renewable energy, and insect farming into one integrated, self-sufficient system. The initiative is expected to respond to growing climate and market pressures, including rising water temperatures, declining yields, and lack of value-added infrastructure, by introducing a multi-layered model that aims to revitalize the region while setting a blueprint for sustainable production in Europe. At the heart of the project is a collaboration between three specialized partners: Flybox®, FreezeM, and Ribnjačarstvo Končanica, Croatia’s oldest carp farming operation, According to the announcement, Flybox® contributes its modular insect farming technology and operational expertise, enabling decentralized waste conversion and protein production close to the source. FreezeM supplies high-performance Black Soldier Fly (BSF) neonates using its PauseM® live-suspension technology, allowing rearing operations to be decoupled from breeding and seamlessly integrated into the aquaculture value chain. Ribnjačarstvo Končanica brings deep local knowledge and infrastructure, serving as the foundation for integrating modern H-RAS systems, fish processing, and energy capture from biogas and photovoltaics. Read more>> Croatia pilots closed-loop fish farming model with insect protein Photo: Faizal Afnan I Shutterstock
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS October 2025 13 Friends & Family Pet Food Company received regulatory approval to commercially sell cultivated meat-based pet food in Singapore. With this milestone, Friends & Family becomes the first-ever cultivated meat pet food approved for sale in Asia. The company joins only a handful of cultivated meat companies with regulatory approval across the world. The approval was issued by Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Services (AVS) in June 2025. Friends & Family will begin production of cultivated meatbased treats for cats and dogs in Singapore in the fall. “Part of the Friends & Family mission is not simply to replace the protein in the pet food supply chain, but to improve the underlying protein cats and dogs eat,” says Joshua Errett, CEO and founder of Friends & Family Pet Food Company. “That’s only possible with cultivated meat. We can optimize cultivated meat to have higher levels of nutrients, like taurine, and improve digestibility and nutrient absorption. And ultimately we believe we can make much better meat for our cats and dogs.” The company's inaugural products are freezedried treats for cats and dogs, with human-grade cultivated poultry as the first ingredient. “This is a big step for the cultivated meat industry, and for Singapore – which soon will be the only place in the world where you can buy your cat or dog a cultivated treat,” comments Maurice Yeo, Friends & Family’s COO. Read more>> Singapore greenlights cultivated meat pet treats Photo: Freepik On the opening day of the 2025 Global Shrimp Forum, being held from 2-4 September, BioMar, Innovafeed, and Auchan announced a significant industry commitment: The large-scale integration of insect protein into commercial shrimp feed in Ecuador. This milestone is viewed as a turning point for both the insect and aquaculture industries, demonstrating that insect protein is a viable part of the solution in responsible and resilient shrimp farming. Insect meal is much more than a protein source, it contains functional nutrients like antimicrobial peptides. Recent research from BioMar showed a unique functional benefit in shrimp feeds, making it possible to substitute it with a similarly valued ingredient currently in use. This discovery offers insect meal a viable market entry position in shrimp feeds at its current market value. From there, it’s possible to scale insect meal and hopefully be market competitive in the protein ingredient segment in the future, but for now, it can play a vital role in the functional ingredient segment in aquafeeds, according to the partners’ statement. As part of this industry-first initiative, Auchan, one of Europe’s leading retailers, will support the rollout by integrating shrimp raised on this next-generation feed into its responsible sourcing strategy and product offering. Read more>> Insect meal commercialisation in aquaculture enters new stage Photo: Innovafeed
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS 14 October 2025 A recent study conducted by Better Insect Solutions in collaboration with FarmInsect sheds light on the carbon and water footprints of BSF farming. The study analyzed three operational BSF farms each producing between 400 and 1,000 tons of live larvae annually. The study focused on the "fattening stage" of BSF larvae, where young individuals are grown into harvest-ready larvae – similar to broiler chicken production. All three farms reported emissions below 1 ton of CO₂ equivalent per ton of fresh BSF larvae produced, the study found. In fact, when benchmarked against broiler farming, BSF production showed up to 40% lower emissions. This is considered a game-changer for the feed industry, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact as well as remaining cost-effective. In the study, feed for the larvae emerged as the most significant contributor to emissions, but also the area with the greatest potential for improvement. Farms using organic waste streams like potato pulp dramatically reduced their carbon and water footprints. According to the GHG protocol, true waste materials carry zero upstream carbon burden, making them ideal for sustainable feed. Read more>> New study focuses on low environmental impact of BSF farming Photo: Better Insect Solutions Pet food manufacturer Marsapet GmbH has expanded the MicroBell product line with wet food and snacks. Following the launch of the world’s first dry dog food based on microbial protein in early 2025, the Swisttal, Germany-based company is now presenting a complete range for future-oriented canine nutrition, including the world’s first vegan wet dog food with microbial protein. With the new MicroBell wet food and MicroBell snacks, Marsapet is reportedly offering dog owners for the first time a fully vegan product line consistently based on microbial proteins. Both products embody innovation, sustainability, and a forward-looking approach to canine nutrition – from daily meals to healthy treats in between. “Tierisch gut, ganz ohne Tier!” (“All the goodness, none of the animals!”) – Marsapet states that this claim is now brought to life in three product categories. MicroBell Snacks impress with their innovative recipe and delight dogs, while the wet food stands out with its creamy texture, offering a modern and complete form of vegan canine nutrition. “With the expansion of our MicroBell line, we are creating an entirely new category in pet nutrition,” explains Marcel Hoffmann, Managing Director of Marsapet GmbH. “Dog owners can now feed their companions in a fully sustainable and wholesome way – without compromising on taste or nutritional quality. This is true innovation that makes a real difference.” Read more>> Marsapet unveils vegan wet dog food Photo: Freepik
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS October 2025 15 Up to one fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions derive from meat production, the majority of which is from pig and poultry meat. With around 60% of emissions from pig and poultry meat linked to the production of animal feed, there has been much debate within the sector over the use of alternative animal feed sources with insect-based feed gaining interest as it may require less water, energy and land resource than plant-based products. In July 2023, the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) commissioned Ricardo’s sustainability team to provide an independent, scientifically robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report exploring how, from an emissions reduction point of view, the production of insect protein might perform as pig and poultry feed compared to conventional soybean and fish stocks. The research looked at the potential cradle-to-gate – ie. from raw material acquisition to manufacturing and distribution - impacts of using the larvae from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) reared from both permitted sources (e.g wheat-based feed) and currently unpermitted sources (e.g food waste, chicken manure). The associated potential impacts of the BSFL feed were assessed in terms of 16 environmental impact categories, including climate change, acidification, ecotoxicity, land, and water use. Comparative assessments were made for soybean meal grown in Brazil and transported to the UK, and fish meal made from blue whiting caught off the Scottish coast. Read more>> Finnish biotech company Volare announced the closing of a €26 million funding round to build Volare 01 – a facility set to become the most efficient protein production plant in the world, and to advance its unique technology. Located in Pori, Finland, the facility will serve as a cornerstone in scaling Volare’s proprietary insect protein technology. The company points out the milestone as strengthening protein self-sufficiency and accelerating the shift toward sustainable, circular food production in Europe. The round includes a mix of equity, mezzanine and senior loans, and public funding, with support from Maki. vc, Firstminute Capital, Springvest, The Finnish Climate Fund (to be merged with Finnish Industry Investment), Finnvera, Norion Bank, South Ostrobothnia ELY Centre and Business Finland. The European Union is currently just 34% self-sufficient in protein concentrates (containing more than 30% protein), according to the European Commission, leaving the region heavily dependent on imports. This reliance makes the food system increasingly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and price fluctuations. Volare explains that its scalable, local production model addresses this challenge headon by converting food industry byproducts into circular, insect-based protein. The approach reduces waste, supports regional agriculture, and strengthens the resilience and self-sufficiency of Europe’s food system. At the core of Volare’s breakthrough is the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), nature’s most efficient bioreactor. Read more>> New Report: Insect protein could be 13.5 times worse for climate than soy Volare secures €26M to build high-efficiency protein plant Photo: Volare
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS 16 October 2025 Calysta, a company focused on large-scale cultured protein, published a new peer-reviewed research confirming that FeedKind Pet protein is a safe, highly digestible ingredient for adult dogs with promising early signs of supporting gut health. Published in the journal Animals, the eight-month target animal safety study was designed under FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine guidelines and supports Calysta’s planned GRAS notification for the US market. Thirty-two healthy adult beagles were fed diets containing up to 8% FeedKind Pet protein for six months, followed by a twomonth period on a control diet. The results reportedly reaffirm that FeedKind Pet protein can be safely included in dog food, maintaining healthy weight and body condition scores throughout, with no impact on feed intake and high digestibility. Protein and energy digestibility exceeded 80%, and fat digestibility exceeded 90%. The study also revealed positive shifts in the dogs’ fecal microbiome, increasing alpha diversity, an early sign of potential gut health benefits. Key findings from the study have been highlighted as: • Long-term safety confirmed: All dogs maintained normal health, weight, and body condition. • High digestibility: Protein and energy digestibility consistently above 80%, fat above 90%. • No feed intake impact: Dogs readily accepted FeedKind Pet at all inclusion levels. • Positive microbiome effect: Inclusion increased alpha diversity and promoted healthy bacteria, signs of gut health support. Read more>> Calysta’s FeedKind Pet protein proven safe for dogs in long-term study MYGroup entered into a joint venture with Beta Bugs, an insect genetics company, to supply eggs for its Black Soldier Fly (BSF) bioconversion Insectology™ process for food waste management. Under the joint venture, Beta Bugs will become MYGroup’s exclusive supplier of BSF eggs, with a new breeding and hatching facility to be established at the waste management company’s the Maltings site at South Milford, near Leeds, England. The new in-house breeding and hatching facility will complete MYGroup’s Insectology process endto-end, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of eggs and neonates. MYGroup will draw on Beta Bugs’ specialist expertise in establishing and up-scaling BSF hatchery operations and their superior genetics to optimise the Insectology process. Beta Bugs will leverage an oversized breeding site to enhance their supply of high-quality breeding stock to the UK market. Steve Carrie, Group Director, MYGroup, said, “With the vertical integration of egg supply directly into our Insectology process, together with enhanced breeding and hatching capabilities, we’re able to ensure optimal quality, reliability and transparency at every stage. Beta Bugs are the perfect partner – innovative, highly specialised and equally committed to scaling BSF bioconversion as a mainstream solution for food waste and the sustainable protein market.” Read more>> UK insect farming venture targets food waste reduction Photo: Courtesy of Beta Bugs Photo: Freepik
Alternative Proteins Magazine NEWS October 2025 17 Entocycle, a specialist manufacturer of insect farming technology which uses insects to turn food waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, worked alongside Siemens to create the UK’s first digitalised insect farm showroom under four Victorian railway arches in the heart of London. The company, which designs and builds insect farms that convert food waste into low-carbon protein, strategically picked its central London location to attract talent and investors to its concept. Using Siemens' digital twin technology, Entocycle explains it was able to virtually model the facility before physical construction began, optimising the challenging arch-shaped space and preventing costly mistakes during the build phase. A full digital transformation was then undertaken, and the facility now leverages Siemens AI and automation to help scale operations while driving efficiencies. The advanced site features robotic arms, climate-controlled chambers and machine vision technology that counts and monitors 3,000 microscopic larvae a second with 96-100% accuracy. Implementing digitalisation has reportedly reduced insect larval growth time and improved survival rates by 30%, demonstrating how the emerging insect bioconversion process can be accelerated and implemented at industrial scale in the future. According to the announcement, after a year of successful operation at the site, the insect farm concept has proven how it can help address two critical sustainability challenges: Tackling the staggering 10.7 million tonnes of annual UK food waste (30% of which stems from supply chain inefficiencies) while simultaneously reducing dependency on the 3.3 million tonnes of imported soybean products that currently flood into the country each year for animal feed. Read more>> The EU’s ambitious policies—such as the Common Fisheries Policy, the Vision for Aquaculture, EU Bioeconomy Strategy or the Oceans Pact—are designed to boost innovation, resilience, competitiveness and sustainability. With global demand for farmed fish expected to reach nearly two-thirds of total fish consumption by 2032, securing sustainable and scalable feed ingredients is more critical than ever, the Secretary-General of International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) Steven Barbosa stated. Leading market reports, including the World Bank’s “Harnessing the Waters” (2025), highlight that investment in alternative proteins—such as algae and insect meal—is set to grow exponentially, driven by the need to meet rising demand and reduce reliance on overfished wild stocks. The 2025 Global Aqua Feed Market Outlook emphasises that innovations in sustainable feeds, including insect-based ingredients, will be vital to supporting aquaculture industry growth while minimising environmental impact, Barbosa highlights. Furthermore, the 2025 Market Report Feed Proteins stresses that with the increased focus on sustainability and efficiency — circular economy models, like insect-based feeds, are becoming an increased priority to livestock producers. Read more>> Siemens and Entocycle open insect farming technology hub IPIFF Secretary General: Insect meal is key to sustainable EU aquaculture Photo: Siemens Photo: IPIFF
Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS 18 October 2025 CONTRIBUTION OF ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS TO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS October 2025 19 The role of alternative proteins and industrial symbiosis in a circular bioeconomy Eleni Ntokou, Unibio Revolutionizing food systems by turning organic waste into high-value proteins Dr. Greg Wanger, Oberland Agriscience Inc. Insects: The missing link in feed circularity Salamahafifi Yusnaieny, Protenga Closing the Loop: The circular potential of novel ingredients Aashish Khimasia, Centre for Feed Innovation Black Soldier Fly: Environmental engineer for sustainable agri-food systems Dr. Solomie Gebrezgabher, IWMI Black Soldier Fly Farming: A greener future for sustainable feed Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann, Better Insect Solutions Can insect protein be circular without compromising? Francis Maugère, Eurogroup for Animals
Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS 20 October 2025 Global demand for protein continues to rise, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and shifting diets. At the same time, conventional protein production, whether from livestock, soy cultivation, or fishmeal production, places significant pressure on ecosystems. Livestock farming accounts for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (FAO, 2013). Most emissions come from methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), released through enteric fermentation, manure management, and fertilizer use for feed crops (IPCC, 2021). Soy expansion is a leading cause of deforestation in South America (WWF, 2021), while fishmeal production threatens marine ecosystems and food security for communities that rely on fish as a staple (FAO, 2020). Meanwhile, the use of land, water, and fertilizers in conventional protein production is already unsustainable in many regions, and climate change is making these challenges worse (World Bank, 2019). In short, the world faces a protein paradox: We need to produce more, but we must do it with far fewer resources. This challenge has sparked growing interest in alternative proteins, from plantbased and cultivated meat to microbial proteins and algae. These innovations offer an opportunity to rethink the role of protein in food systems not only as a dietary requirement, but also as a driver of sustainability, resilience, and circular economy models. SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS Unlike traditional linear models of “take-makedispose”, the circular bioeconomy aims to keep resources in use as long as possible, minimize waste, and regenerate natural systems through the “reduce-reuse-recycle” model (OECD, 2018). In food systems, this means finding ways to use byproducts, side streams, and even waste gases as valuable inputs for new production. Alternative proteins are particularly well suited to this approach, as their production relies on non-traditional inputs, which allows companies to transAcross industries, vast amounts of valuable byproducts are discarded daily, despite their potential to become high-value resources. Biotechnology is revolutionizing this paradigm by converting waste gases like methane into nutritious protein for feed and food applications. As the biotech industry advances, integrating sustainable resource utilization will be critical for long-term success of building more resilient food systems. THE ROLE OF ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS AND INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS IN A CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY Eleni Ntokou New Product Development, Sustainability, & Regulatory Affairs Director Unibio
Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS October 2025 21 form low-value resources into high-quality protein. This creates multiple benefits: • Waste reduction: By using byproducts like methane, agricultural residues, or industrial CO₂, alternative proteins prevent pollution while generating value. • Resource efficiency: Many microbial and fermentation-based proteins require little to no land and far less water than conventional protein sources (FAO, 2021). • Climate impact: By decoupling protein production from deforestation, overfishing, and intensive farming, alternative proteins reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve biodiversity (IPCC, 2021). • Resilient growth: New protein sources diversify supply chains, reducing reliance on fragile global commodity markets (World Economic Forum, 2019). In this way, alternative proteins support a resilient, circular bioeconomy where secure, diversified protein supplies meet growing demand with lower environmental impact. Several companies are already putting these principles into practice, demonstrating how alternative proteins can transform waste into high-value resources. FROM METHANE TO PROTEIN TO FEED A leader in this field is Unibio, a Danish biotechnology company with a pioneering method for converting methane into protein. The company’s flagship product, Uniprotein®, is a single-cell protein produced through a proprietary Vertical Loop fermentation process, in which naturally occurring microbes are cultivated using methane as a carbon and energy source. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, released from agriculture, landfills, and industrial processes, often wasted or flared, with a warming potential more than 25 times that of carbon dioxide over a century (IPCC, 2021). By capturing methane and turning it into protein for feed, Unibio provides a double benefit: Reducing emissions and producing a high-quality, safe, and scalable protein ingredient for animal feed. This innovation is particularly important in the context of animal farming, which consumes vast quantities of protein in the form of feed, particularly soybean meal and fishmeal. These conventional feed ingredients are resource-intensive, contribute to deforestation, and create volatility in global feed markets. By converting industrial byproducts and side streams into alternative proteins, feed producers can reduce reliance on imported soy and wildcaught fish, while simultaneously improving feed security for farmers (FAO, 2020). Looking at the bigger picture, this shows how biotechnology can turn waste into value and build more resilient food systems by applying circular economy principles. Methane-to-protein approaches provide a clear example of how innovation, sustainability, and efficient resource utilization can come together to strengthen food security. KALUNDBORG SYMBIOSIS: A LIVING EXAMPLE OF CIRCULARITY Unibio’s approach to protein production is further strengthened by its participation in Kalundborg Symbiosis, an industrial cluster located in the Uniprotein® is a single-cell protein produced by feeding methane to a culture of methanotrophic bacteria along with water, oxygen, ammonia, and simple minerals using a patented process Source: Unibio
Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS 22 October 2025 city of Kalundborg, Denmark, which is recognized worldwide as a model of circular economy in action. Kalundborg Symbiosis operates on a simple but powerful principle: One company’s byproduct can become another’s resource. Since its establishment in the 1970s, the symbiosis has expanded into a network of more than a dozen companies that exchange energy, water, and materials to reduce costs, cut emissions, and generate new value (Kalundborg Symbiosis, 2022) (Figure 1). The impact is significant. Each year, the symbiosis saves: • 4 million m³ of groundwater by substituting with surface water, • 586,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, • 62,000 tonnes of residual materials, which are recycled rather than wasted, • Since 2015, CO₂ emissions within the industrial symbiosis have been reduced by 80%, and today the local energy supply is carbon neutral (Kalundborg Symbiosis, 2022). By integrating methane fermentation into this ecosystem, Kalundborg Symbiosis demonstrates the real-world potential of circular bioeconomy models and serves as an inspiring example for other countries. It clearly demonstrates that methane and othARGO Boehringer Ingelheim APM Terminals Schultz Shipping Group Kalundborg Refinery Water Energy Materials Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk & Novonesis Land Owner’s Association Lake TissØ Ørsted Kalundborg Municipality Saint-Gobain Gyproc Kalundborg Utility Kalundborg Utility Heatpump Intertek Unibio Novonesis Meliora Bio Kalundborg Bioenergy Novonesis Wastewater & Biogas Avista Green Source: Kalundborg Symbiosis Figure 1. Symbiosis partners are diverse companies and organizations that collaborate by sharing resources, energy, and materials in a mutually beneficial network Symbiosis partners are connected by pipes supplying and exchanging resources Source: Kalundborg Symbiosis
Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS October 2025 23 er industrial side-streams can be effectively shared among partners and used as valuable inputs for protein production in global feed markets. In addition, collaboration between member companies reduces waste, prevents emissions, benefits the local community, and strengthens the competitiveness of the entire cluster. This synergy highlights an important point: The transition to circular systems cannot be achieved by one company alone. It requires collaboration across industries and sectors (Figure 2). THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS ON FOOD SYSTEMS The significance of the Kalundborg Symbiosis goes beyond Denmark or Europe. It speaks to a broader transformation underway in global food systems. The challenges with protein supply are global in scope, but so are the opportunities. Countries dependent on protein imports could benefit from local production of alternative proteins, reducing vulnerability to price swings and supply disruptions. Regions facing land or water scarcity could use methane fermentation to produce protein without competing with food crops, and industries seeking to decarbonize could derive new value from their emissions through circular bioeconomy applications (FAO, 2021; WEF, 2019). LOOKING AHEAD: SCALING CIRCULAR PROTEIN SOLUTIONS The potential of alternative proteins is vast, but realizing it requires scale, policy support, and continued innovation. Scaling production is essential: fermentation technologies need to be deployed at larger volumes and across more regions to make a meaningful impact on global protein supply. Policy and regulation also play a crucial role, as governments can accelerate adoption by supporting circular bioeconomy models, incentivizing methane capture, and creating clear regulatory pathways for novel proteins. Simultaneously, market acceptance is key. Feed and food producers must be confident in the quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness of alternative proteins, and early partnerships will be critical in building trust. Beyond this, innovative ecosystems demonstrate how industrial collaboration can enhance efficiency and reduce emissions, and replicating these models in new contexts could unlock significant opportunities. These approaches provide both inspiration and practical solutions as the global food system seeks sustainable growth. CONCLUSION The world needs to rethink protein production if it is to feed a growing population sustainably. Alternative proteins, grounded in circular bioeconomy principles, provide a powerful way forward. They reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and create more resilient food systems. One example is the integration of methane fermentation into industrial symbiosis networks, where emissions and byproducts from one industry become valuable resources for another. This approach demonstrates how collaboration and circular models can be brought to life in practice, turning challenges such as methane emissions into opportunities for sustainable food and feed production. As demand for protein continues to grow and the world seeks climate-smart solutions, these innovations illustrate how technology, resource efficiency, and cross-sector partnerships can come together to deliver real impact. Alternative proteins are not a distant future. They are already here, reshaping global food systems for the better. Residue Resource Resource Residue Figure 2. Illustration of the industrial symbiosis principle: Residues from one partner become valuable resources for another Source: Kalundborg Symbiosis
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