Innovative solutions pave the way for a more sustainable future in a world where food waste is a growing concern. One such game-changer is Circa Biotech, a UAE-based agribusiness startup founded by Dr. Haythem Riahi, redefining waste management by transforming food waste into high-quality animal feed. Founded in 2020, Circa Biotech employs cutting-edge industrial insect farming techniques to upcycle organic waste into valuable products, contributing to the circular economy and promoting environmental sustainability.
How Circa Biotech is Making an Impact
The black soldier fly larvae (BSF) are at the heart of their operation, a powerful biological agent capable of converting organic waste into high-protein animal feed and nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. This process reduces food waste and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with traditional waste management systems.
Circa Biotech aims to produce 22,000 tons of animal feed annually by processing 200 tons of food waste daily. This innovative approach addresses two significant challenges: the rising demand for livestock feed and reducing reliance on traditional fishmeal, which has become increasingly scarce and expensive in recent years.
The Science Behind the Process
Circa Biotech collects food waste from supermarkets and food processing companies. Then, the BSF larvae feed on this organic waste, metabolizing it into essential proteins and oils. Thanks to their rapid 45-day lifecycle and high fertility rate, black soldier flies are an ideal choice for sustainable feed production.
Housed in an industrial control system (ICS) environment, the larvae are monitored through advanced sensors that track humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels, ensuring optimal conditions for growth. This high-tech approach enables Circa Biotech to maximize efficiency while minimizing resource consumption such as water and energy.
While animal feed is the primary product, Circa Biotech extracts additional valuable compounds from the BSF, including:
- Lauric Acid: A compound widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Chitin: A natural polymer derived from glucose, which can be modified for use in water purification systems, bioplastics, and even wound dressings.
- Insect Oil: A sustainable alternative to traditional fish and vegetable oils, rich in essential fatty acids.
Real-World Impact: A Case Study with Spinneys
Circa Biotech’s approach is already making waves in the UAE’s food industry. In a six-month trial at select Spinneys supermarkets in Abu Dhabi, the chain reduced food waste sent to landfills by 54% by diverting it to Circa Biotech’s processing facility. This collaboration showcases the potential of insect farming in tackling food waste at a commercial level.
Fun Facts About Black Soldier Flies and Sustainable Insect Farming
- BSF larvae can consume twice their body weight in food waste daily, making them incredibly efficient recyclers!
- Unlike other insects, adult BSFs do not eat—their sole purpose is reproduction, which means they do not spread disease.
- The global insect farming industry is projected to grow rapidly, with insect protein expected to become a mainstream animal feed ingredient by 2030.
- BSF farming requires significantly less land, water, and energy than soy or fishmeal production, making it one of the most sustainable protein sources available today.
A Step Towards a Circular Economy
Circa Biotech’s innovative waste-to-feed model perfectly shows how nature-based solutions can drive sustainability. By diverting food waste from landfills, the company is helping to reduce methane emissions. Their work supports the UAE’s broader environmental goals while addressing the global food and feed supply challenges in a sustainable and scalable way.
As the demand for sustainable food production continues to rise, startups like Circa Biotech are proving that nature and technology can work together to solve some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
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