HiProMine: A sustainable animal feed made from insects
The ecological demands of farming and livestock management are a drain on natural resources and a key driver of climate change. The traditional production of protein-rich feed, such as farm-grown grains for livestock and meat-based foods for pets, results in substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) admissions.
To address these issues, HiProMine developed a proprietary technology which produces insect-based proteins that greatly reduce GHG and the other associated demands of animal agriculture. Their products can replace animal-based farm fodder, aquaculture, pet food, fertilisers, and more.
An unsustainable industry
Alongside human consumption of meat, the need for protein products to feed both livestock and companion animals exacts a grave ecological toil. Livestock production currently takes up to three-quarters of agricultural land, (1) much of which is used for purposes other than direct human consumption. In addition to occupying otherwise habitable land, this type of agriculture requires 11,900 km³ of freshwater (2) each year and is responsible for 14.5% of human-caused GHG admissions (3).
As the population grows, the ecological demands of livestock production will see exponential growth. It’s an unsustainable reality that requires alternative methods of protein production. Insect-based proteins are proving to be one of the most promising options for myriad reasons (4). Its production requires less water, doesn’t use up great expanses of land, and produces a mere fraction of greenhouse gases compared to traditional animal agriculture. Furthermore, companies like HiProMine are discovering ever more uses for insect-based products, providing greater incentive for further investment.
Investing in a new kind of agriculture
Since its founding in 2015, HiProMine has grown into Poland’s leading company in the field of alternative protein, becoming a major global innovator. They launched their insect protein in Poland in 2023, which is created from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), supplying European pet food makers. The company opened a €52 million factory in Karkoszow the following year, which is allowing them to scale up their production.
HiProMine’s four products – HiProMeal, HiProMeat, HiProOil, and HiProSoil – offer sustainable, environmentally responsible options for pet food producers, fish farmers, and agribusiness. Insects provide a smart alternative to other proteins because they need fewer resources and less space to replicate. The company’s ongoing research is continuing to unearth new uses for their technology.
In 2021, the company took part in EIT Food’s Test Farms programme. As part of the programme, experiments were carried out, among others, on winter wheat. These field experiments analysed the effect of three different doses of the tested organic fertiliser on yield and yield structure, as well as chemical composition and quality parameters of winter wheat. The effect of three doses of the tested organic fertiliser was evaluated in comparison with the control sample (without fertiliser). Based on the study in winter wheat, the positive effect of the fertiliser on the yield of wheat plants was confirmed. In addition, wheat responded by increasing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and magnesium.
"Implementing the project within the framework of EIT Food allowed us to establish connections with farmers, who are the end users of our products. Thanks to the programme, we were able to translate our knowledge into practice. Programmes like EIT Food enable industrial companies like ours to learn about customer expectations and how they intend to use our products. Without conducting field tests, we would not have been able to gain such insights."
The applications could be limitless
The market is open to new forms of fertilisers, which is particularly important in the context of environmental and legislative trends aimed at soil protection. Newer legislation is also compelling farmers to look for alternatives to traditional mineral fertilisers, including organic fertilisers that support soil protection and the development of plants.
"An interesting market for insect fertilisers is both the home and garden market and the professional market. Additionally, the target group may be garden designers, substrate producers, or customers involved in professional cultivation of certified organic plants."
Making alternative proteins the standard
Some of the key metrics for business success in the 21st century relate to sustainability. HiProMine has created a protein alternative that is ecologically sound. Their technology is still developing, and the research into its applications is only getting started. With the EU approving the use of insect products (5) as feed in 2021, the market for HiProMine’s technology and ideas is wide open.
Hear about our latest opportunities, research and innovations shaping the food industry.
References
- Our World in Data: Half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture - Our World in Data
- FAO: WATER USE IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND SUPPLY CHAINS
- FAO: Livestock solutions for climate change | FAO
- World Economic Forum: Why we need to give insects the role they deserve in our food systems | World Economic Forum
- IPIFF: Insects As Feed EU Legislation – Aquaculture, Poultry & Pig Species
