Alternative Proteins Magazine ISSUE FOCUS 40 October 2025 In the heart of Central Europe, a quiet revolution is taking place in the world of sustainable agriculture. Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, once a niche concept, is now emerging as a powerful solution to the environmental challenges of traditional livestock feed production. A recent study conducted by Better Insect Solutions in collaboration with FarmInsect sheds light on the carbon and water footprints of BSF farming - and the results are promising. FARMING INSECTS, NOT EMISSIONS The study analyzed three operational BSF farms each producing between 400 and 1,000 tons of live larvae annually. These larvae are used in livestock and pet food, offering a protein-rich alternative to conventional feed sources. The study focused on the "fattening stage" of BSF larvae, where young individuals are grown into harvest-ready larvae – similar to broiler chicken production. What makes BSF farming stand out is its low carbon footprint. All three farms reported emissions below 1 ton of CO₂ equivalent per ton of fresh BSF larvae produced. In fact, when benchmarked against broiler farming, BSF production showed up to 40% lower emissions. This is a game-changer for the feed industry, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact as well as remaining cost-effective. FEED AND FRASS: THE TWIN PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY 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. Then there's frass, the nutrient-rich by-product of BSF farming that can be valorized as a fertilizer and used in biogas facilities. One farm uses 25% of its frass to generate energy, while another farm is experimenting with natural drying methods to hygienize frass for agricultural use. These innova- “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.” BLACK SOLDIER FLY FARMING: A GREENER FUTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE FEED Lars-Henrik Lau Heckmann Head Of Business Development Better Insect Solutions
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