ByBug, a Chilean startup, has developed a method to process organic waste using black soldier flies. The company engineers the larvae of Hermetia illucens to produce specific proteins for various applications, from vaccines to industrial enzymes. This approach tackles the global issue of food waste, which amounts to 931 million tonnes annually.
The process not only reduces the volume of waste in landfills but also prevents the generation of leachates that pollute water tables and greenhouse gas emissions. ByBug’s technology has been validated and shown to be 60% more cost-effective for protein production compared to traditional bioreactors.
The company has raised $1,320,000 in funding and secured agreements with partners to test and commercialize its technology. ByBug also produces a daily food supplement for animals made from dried black fly larvae, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, without antibiotics or hormones.
To expand its reach, ByBug has developed 20-foot insect breeding modules called ByBug Farms. These easy-to-operate units allow farms, food companies, and other organic waste generators to convert their waste into profitable products like insect flour and fertilizer.
Despite its progress, ByBug faces challenges in navigating regulatory requirements for entering the US market and obtaining FDA approvals. The company continues to work on overcoming these hurdles as it aims to revolutionize organic waste management and protein production.
