Black Soldier Fly Production, Is It Effective- A Case Example with Recommendations

I am by no means an expert in life cycle analysis. So I will keep my comments to a minimum and allow you, the reader, to draw your own conclusions from the following article. But, I would like to say, while the topic is fairly intense with regards to the complexities of the analyses, the article is an easy read- just take your time with it. To help get you started.....Life cycle analysis allows for the assessment of the environmental impact of a given process. 

The following article is a thorough evaluation of the impact of industrialized production (a case example) on the environment (good and bad).  The article is straight forward and very efficient with clear conclusions from the analysis along with recommendations stated at the end of the paper.

Compliments to Alex Mathys and colleagues at ETH and Eric Schmitt at Protix for pulling together such a thorough study.  Also, extended gratitude to Protix for opening up their process at a pilot plant to allow for such a critical study for the industry as a whole.

While the industry is still in its infancy- great strides have been made in its industrialization while being sensitive to environmental impacts and trying to have a positive influence. Hats off to the entrepreneurs globally committed to insect production and doing it the "right" way!

Sustainably...economical.... environmentally friendly!

Smetana, S., E. Schmitt, and A. Mathys. 2019. Sustainable use of Hermetia illucens insect biomass for feed and food: Attributional and consequential life cycle assessment. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 144: 285-296.

Some of the Major Finds:

• BSF production in this model had a lower environmental impact that other traditional sources of animal protein.
• BSF production in this model had a lower environmental impact with production of resulting fertilizer than conventional production facilities.
• Based on these data, side-streams of waste for digestion by BSF to avoid competition with uses of current waste streams that can be used for other purposes (e.g., animal feed) could enhance industry development; however, this path will require continued research and collaborations between government/researchers/practitioners to gain approval of using such materials and making sure it is done safely.

Author

Jeffery K. Tomberlin, PhD, Impressed
Director, EVO Conversion Systems, LLC
Twitter: @FliesFacility