Circularity and environmental impact of edible insects

Abstract

Insect production has an environmental impact. However, the use of organic waste in insect feeding can mitigate the impact and even result in environmentally positive scenarios. The two potential effects are waste reduction and return of nutrients to food systems in the form of fertilisers, feed and food. While waste reduction by insects is being assessed, the potential of insects for nutrient circularity has thus far been poorly analysed. The current publication provides an insight into the scarce cases of circularity potential assessment (as a part of life cycle assessment) of insects and the methodological approaches that can be further developed to ensure the recycling potential of insect production systems, relying on organic waste.