Bühler and Protix form JV for industrial insect production

Food industry solutions provider Bühler has entered a joint venture (JV) with insect-based protein producer Protix, to form Bühler Insect Technology Solutions.

The new JV will work towards developing scalable, industrial solutions for the rearing and processing of insects to provide protein for food and animal feed segments.

Located in Liyang, China, Bühler Insect Technology Solutions has already initiated operations.

Bühler CTO Ian Roberts said: “By combining the knowledge and experience of our two companies, we can provide industrial insect processing solutions to address the alternative protein market.

The JV will initially focus on larvae of the Black Soldier Fly, which has been nicknamed as the ‘Queen of waste transformation’ for its ability to transform organic waste into high-quality protein.

Protix CEO Kees Aarts said: “Together, we can develop both sustainable and cost-effective solutions for large-scale insect producers and processors that cover the whole value chain.”

Established in 2009, Protix has developed proprietary equipment and solutions and is familiar with the breeding and rearing cycle, as well as separating and extracting proteins and lipids from insects.

Roberts added: “Protix is the most advanced insect company that has demonstrated industrial-scale production in a way that is scalable and multipliable. They have proven how to create a market in insect protein.

“Bühler has a strong, established business providing technologies for animal feed, and protein from the insects can be used in pellets, or directly as animal feed.

"With our global market access, technology base, and engineering capabilities, combined with the deep knowledge, experience and entrepreneurial flair of Protix, we have the ingredients for a successful commercial partnership.”

By 2050, insects are expected to account for 15% of global protein production.