Bühler secures insect protein partnership with AI-powered genetics firm

06 Sep 2023 --- Bühler is expanding its insect protein capabilities through a new strategic partnership with Israeli genomics company NRGene Technologies. The two companies will combine their expertise to provide AI-powered solutions and services within black soldier fly genetics and processing as demand for sustainable animal feed grows.

The Swiss technology group will provide its high-end equipment and engineering capabilities to the collaboration, while NRGene Technologies will contribute its novel genetics and AI-based genomics tools.

“The insect industry is still optimizing its production costs. Advances in insect genetics are key to achieving this. The benefit of genetics is already demonstrated in traditional agriculture. Combining the tailored insect strains with our advanced industrial technology will bring a step change in the production of insects,” says Andreas Baumann, head of market segment Insect Technology at Bühler.

“The overall solution will result in a high yield of superior products while ensuring efficient use of raw materials, land, water and energy. This makes the investment in insect production more attractive as it gives owners a crucial competitive advantage in the marketplace.” 

Bühler also recently partnered with insect technology company Entocycle to drive the adoption of large-scale black soldier fly farms.

Animal feed demand
Insects are widely regarded as a healthy and sustainable source of protein for animal feed. They can contribute to a circular economy model as insects can be fed on organic waste, such as food leftovers and waste from agriculture, to produce feed for pets, fish and livestock.

The residues from insect farming – or frass – can be used as a fertilizer, contributing to the zero-waste approach.

Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene Technologies’ CEO and founder, explains: “There is a growing demand for meat to feed carnivorous pets and farm animals. To realize black soldier fly’s huge potential as an alternative sustainable protein source used for feed, it is essential to integrate the expertise of various disciplines into this new industry, from genetics to engineering.”

Black soldier fly is considered one of the most sustainable meat alternatives for carnivorous pets and farm animals. The ingredient’s protein and fat provide animals with a higher level of nutrition and health than other protein sources. The industrial use of black soldier fly is rapidly gaining traction among businesses seeking alternative protein feed sources.Insect genetic advancements are crucial to the industry achieving production cost-efficiencies.

Industry challenges
According to the partners, the main objective for the emerging black soldier fly industry is to reduce production costs to make the ingredient more commercially viable. Within the animal feed market, Baumann explains that there are three main challenges for insect farmers, which Bühler’s solutions can help overcome.

“Firstly, insect-based products need to be available in the agreed volumes in time. Therefore, a fast ramp-up of insect plants is needed to ensure the availability of the products on the market. Our data-driven technology approach helps to ensure a fast ramp-up and achieve a fast learning curve to gain efficient production,” he tells Food Ingredients First.

“Secondly, insect-based products need to be reliably available in a consistent quality. We have sophisticated climate control on individual crate level, which ensures a uniform growth of the insects.”

“Thirdly, the animal feed market is conservative and cost-sensitive. Therefore, any reduction in production cost helps to facilitate the acceptance of insect-based products. Our plants ensure efficient and economical use of raw materials, land, water and energy.”

During the last ten years, Bühler has been developing its capabilities in the insect protein industry and already completed several relevant projects in the field.

North American insect center
NRGene Technologies will establish a North American Insect Center at its Canadian subsidiary in Saskatchewan as part of the new partnership.

Bühler will equip the Insect Center with insect growth chambers with controlled environments and sensors that can simulate industrial conditions and provide process insights.

The center will serve as a testing and demonstration facility for both companies’ customers, enabling them to evaluate the performance of chosen black soldier fly variety, operational parameters and practices to ensure efficient industrial-scale insect production.

We recently explored how insect protein can help feed a growing world population and contribute to environmental sustainability goals despite obstacles related to the rise of plant-based diets and complications around halal and kosher certifications.

By Joshua Poole