IBC-Net

Insects are nature's recyclers, turning waste into valuable resources. However, we've largely ignored their potential in our food systems. With a growing global population and increasing demand for protein, we need innovative solutions to reduce waste and make our food production more sustainable. Insect bioconversion, particularly using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), offers an exciting opportunity to address these challenges. These insects can efficiently convert organic waste into high-quality protein and fats, which can be used as animal feed. This process could help reduce our reliance on imported soy and fishmeal, decrease food waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The UK has several start-ups working on this technology, but regulatory hurdles are holding back progress. Current regulations prohibit using insect-derived products in most animal feeds and restrict the types of waste that can be used to rear insects. This project aims to: * Gather evidence on the safety and effectiveness of insect bioconversion * Engage with regulators to update the regulatory landscape * Unlock the potential for significant private investment in this industry. By addressing these challenges, we could create thousands of green jobs, making our food system more circular. With the right support, insect bioconversion could revolutionise our approach to waste management and sustainable food production, positioning the UK as a leader in this emerging field. Globally, over $1bn has been raised since 2020 to support the growth of the sector, with hundreds of companies developing technologies to support insect farming, with over a thousand published papers on the topic. This project builds on the work undertaken during the Discovery Phase to fully establish a regulatory science network to further inform insect bioconversion regulatory policy and practice, and contribute to a pro-innovation regulatory environment that benefits society. This will unlock the significant private sector investment needed to scale up the insect farming sector to realise the potential of insect bioconversion, which offers substantial societal and environmental benefits, including enhanced food security, reduced waste, and lower carbon emissions in our food systems, in line with key government priorities. It represents a unique opportunity to harness nature's own solutions to create a more sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.