length Black soldier fly larvae as an alternative feed source and agro-waste disposal route-A life cycle perspective

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to evaluate black soldier fly production using different diets, including typical Belgian agro-residues (Brussels sprout stems, endive roots and solid fraction pig manure). The LCA compared insect-based feed with soybean meal and fishmeal, and composting through insects versus conven-tional treatments. Underlying LCA data were derived through feeding experiments. To determine the sensitivity of the results, we tested the effect of alternative energy sources and dietary components. Non-residue insect feed and energy use contributed greatly to overall environmental impacts. Insect protein had greater impacts than protein from soybean meal or fishmeal due to the high energy consumption and, in some cases, agro-product demands. These should be areas of focus to make European insect production more sustainable. In the case of Brussels sprout stems and endive roots, conventional treatments outperformed com-posting by insects. Between industrial versus insect pig manure composting, the results varied greatly by energy source and impact category.

Automated summary

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of black soldier fly production using different diets. The results showed that non-residue insect feed and energy use contributed significantly to the overall environmental impacts. Insect protein had greater impacts than protein from soybean meal or fishmeal due to high energy consumption and agro-product demands. These findings indicate areas that need to be addressed to enhance the sustainability of European insect production.