Making better Bugs: Improving black soldier fly production for a more sustainable future

Abstract

Our research leverages sustainable inputs to enhance production efficiency and minimize the ecological footprint of insect production for food and feed, focusing on eco-friendly alternatives and a commitment to reducing environmental impact. This study highlights the potential of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) farming in sustainable agriculture. The analysis of large-scale H. illucens larvae production involved two main steps: (1) analysing industry production data and (2) creating an LCA model in SimaPro for impact analysis. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and different impact assessment methodologies - such as IMPACT 2002+, IPCC 2021, Environmental Footprint 3.1, and AWARE - we examined environmental impacts concerning climate change, water use, and land use. The system boundary included raw material extraction, processing, transportation, and disposal phases, using 1 kg of dry insect matter as the functional unit. Results indicated significant impact reductions with updated production systems compared to older ones when renewable energy sources were used, insect genetics were improved, and larval nutrition was optimized. Compared to the old Protix production system, the updated system resulted in a reduction in carbon emissions by 50 % for frass-based fertilizers (0.01 kg CO₂ eq), 30 % for fresh insect production (0.28 kg CO₂ eq), 30 % for Hermetia puree (0.31 kg CO₂ eq), 48 % for fat (0.47 kg CO₂ eq), and 29 % for meal (0.82 kg CO₂ eq). Additionally, the transition led to an average land use reduction of 100 % across all Protix products. Incorporating gray starch in feed cut carbon emissions by 0.24 kg CO₂ eq, although oat husk meal and transportation still contributed a high proportion of impacts. Wind energy use achieved a remarkable reduction in carbon emissions across products. In conclusion, sustainable feed and renewable energy were the factors affecting the reduction of environmental impact, offering pathways for efficient insect production.