The lack of protein sources in several parts of the world is triggering the search for locally produced and sustainable alternatives and insect production is seen as a potential solution. A life cycle assessment has been done to see whether the use of insects for animal feed is more sustainable than using conventional protein sources such as soy and fish meal.
A research team from the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland conducted an LCA including effects on the market, associated upstream increase in fee or downstream availability of insect product.
Analysis of the current pilot found insect biomass to be twice as environmentally sustainable as fresh chicken meat, competitive with derived products such as whey, egg protein or fishmeal, but less sustainable that plant based proteins.
LCA’s were followed by sensitivity analyses, which identify the most promising directions toward sustainable insect production.
Access the full study here.