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Chilean startup ByBug has developed a way to process organic waste using black ear flies. The company is modifying the larvae of Hermetia illucens to produce specific proteins that can be used for a variety of applications, from vaccines to industrial enzymes. The approach tackles the global food waste problem, which reaches 931 million tons per year.
This process not only reduces the amount of waste in landfills, but also prevents the production of leachate that pollutes groundwater and releases greenhouse gases. ByBug’s technology has been validated and proven to be 60% more cost-effective for protein production compared to traditional bioreactors.
The company has raised $1.32 million in funding and signed agreements with partners to test and commercialize its technology. ByBug also produces a daily nutritional supplement for animals made from dried blackfly larvae that are free of antibiotics and hormones and are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
To expand its reach, ByBug has developed a 20-foot insect rearing module called ByBug Farms. This easy-to-operate unit enables farms, food companies and other organic waste generators to convert waste into profitable products such as insect meal and fertilizer.
Despite the progress ByBug is making, it faces challenges in entering the U.S. market and complying with regulatory requirements to gain FDA approval. The company continues to work to overcome these hurdles as it aims to revolutionize organic waste management and protein production.
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