LIFE WASTE2PROTEIN

NEW LIFE WASTE2PROTEIN project fiche

The global demand for animal protein continues to rise, placing pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. Conventional feed ingredients such as soy and fish meal contribute to deforestation, overfishing, and biodiversity loss. A major challenge is to develop sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact while meeting nutritional needs.

The LIFE Waste2Protein project developed an innovative insect bioconversion solution that recycles organic residues into high‑value protein and fertiliser using Black Soldier Fly larvae. Today, it represents a market capitalisation of €200 million and generates revenues in the double-digit million range - several times higher than at the end of the LIFE project. 

Two key innovations introduced by the project are:

• Decentralised facilities that can be co‑located with farms or food companies, improving efficiency and local resource use
• Economically viable modular insect farms that can be scaled to different sizes and adapted to specific needs

LIFE WASTE2PROTEIN objectives:

• Develop and validate a scalable insect protein production technology
• Transform organic food waste into sustainable protein and organic fertiliser
• Provide a decentralised, modular solution adaptable to farm and food industry contexts
• Support circular economy goals by closing nutrient loops and reducing reliance on soy and fish meal
• Prepare a pathway for commercial rollout, including partnerships with industrial and agricultural stakeholders

Results achieved: 

• Innovative technology development: successful prototyping and testing of modular, decentralised insect farms that convert organic residues into high-nutrient feed alternatives and fertiliser
• First commercial product: the ReFarmUnit is now a commercially validated insect bioconversion solution, capable of processing 10,000 tonnes of waste per year into valuable inputs
• Market traction: ReFarmUnit is sold in Germany, Austria and Italy, with plans to expand into other European markets
• Industrial partners and investors include the REPLOID group (joined by madebymade, the start-up coordinator of the project),TAUROS Capital Management GmbH, Premium Food Group, and Baerlocher GmbH. Their engagement ranges from revenue-based growth capital and equity participation to strategic cooperations, demonstrating strong market confidence in a scalable circular model capable of transforming significant organic waste streams across multiple sectors

Quote from the Coordinating Beneficiary: 

Jonas Finck, Scientific Leader

“LIFE Waste2Protein was a very important project and we wouldn’t have achieved our goals without the LIFE close-to-market support. With modular technology and decentralised insect farms, it was crucial to find partners and organic residues in other countries to start new markets.”