Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS 24 October 2025 FROM WASTE TO VALUE A quiet revolution is wriggling below the surface of our global food system, which is facing unprecedented challenges and significant economic pressure. Driven by a growing population and our increasing awareness of resource constraints, health, ethical, and environmental concerns, the demand for responsible, resilient protein sources is at the tipping point. Rising feed ingredient costs, regulatory complexities, and supply chain volatility threaten the stability of the animal feed, agriculture, aquaculture, and pet food industries. Traditional animal-derived protein sources are resource-intensive and financially unsteady. Health and environmentally conscious consumers are looking beyond traditional proteins, in search of solutions that align with their desire to address these concerns. This surge in demand is forcing livestock and pet food producers to seek out future-forward protein sources – such as insect-derived protein – as innovative solutions to the challenge of a crowded planet. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are widely recognised for their environmental benefits. However, it is the larvae’s ability to valorize wastes and lowgrade byproducts that deserve more recognition. Through low-cost feedstock, highly efficient nutrient conversion, and diversified product lines, the humble BSFL can have a lasting impact on local and global economic growth opportunities. ECONOMIC PRESSURES ON TRADITIONAL PROTEIN PRODUCTION The economic landscape for traditional protein sources has become ever more precarious. Conventional systems are failing to recognise the innovation and efficiency required to feed an increasing global population, which is expected to soar above nine billion by 2050. Agriculture faces considerable challenges when it comes to traditional protein production. Livestock farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with some peer reviewed studies estimating as high as 19.6% of global emissions annually. Land used for livestock farming requires massive amounts of water and energy, while contributing to deforestation. The overuse of antibiotics in animal feed is contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant microbes and patho- “Commercial-scale black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) production transforms copious volumes of low-cost organic waste into high-value nutrition. In a short space of time, BSFL can flip a waste challenge into an economic opportunity. This waste-to-value method radically reduces feedstock input costs compared to conventional proteins, diminishing the risks associated with price volatility.” REVOLUTIONIZING FOOD SYSTEMS BY TURNING ORGANIC WASTE INTO HIGH-VALUE PROTEINS Dr. Greg Wanger Founder & CEO Oberland Agriscience Inc.
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