Table 4 Summary of reviewed articles
From: Advances in the insect industry within a circular bioeconomy context: a research agenda
Authors | Type of analysis | Key findings |
|---|---|---|
Abro et al. [97] | Economic | This research assesses the potential socioeconomic advantages that Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) meal could offer the poultry industry in Kenya. Substituting 5–50% of conventional feed sources with BSFL meal may generate an economic benefit, according to the findings; therefore, increasing investments to promote BSFL meal may contribute to increased environmental, social, and economic sustainability |
Baldi et al. [106] | Social | This research investigates the determinants that may influence the acceptability of insect-fed farmed fish. In addition to environmental attitude, the results indicate that sociodemographic variables also play a role in explaining product acceptance; specifically, younger, and male consumers are more likely to embrace the product. Furthermore, informed respondents exhibit a greater degree of acceptance |
Barragán-Fonseca et al. [104] | Environmental, economic, and social | The economic and social benefits for local economies and small producers are discussed in the study. The findings suggest that the Black Soldier Fly has the potential to offer small producers an economically feasible food source, enabling them to make a positive contribution to the development of their local communities |
Beesigamukama et al. [90] | Economic | The economic advantages of rearing Black Soldier Fly on spent brewery grains amended with sawdust, biochar, and chalk were investigated. The results illustrate the significance of insect farming within the framework of the circular economy and provide justification for potential future investments that would enhance the sustainability of food and agricultural systems, with a specific focus on small-scale producers operating in low- and middle-income nations |
Beyers et al. [111] | Environmental and economic | To assess Black Soldier Fly production in response to various diets, including agricultural residues, the study conducted an LCA. Insect proteins exerted a more pronounced influence compared to soymeal or fishmeal proteins, as indicated by their elevated energy requirements and, in certain instances, support for agricultural product demands |
Borrello et al. [78] | Environmental, social and legislative | A model is presented in the study that incorporates two revolutionary technological advancements, one of which pertains to the utilization of insects as animal feed. The outcomes delineate the primary obstacles that arise during the execution of novel circular supply chains through an analysis of their environmental, social, and legislative distinctiveness |
Borrello et al. [144] | Social | Consumers’ propensity to participate in closed-loop systems designed to reduce food waste using a profoundly innovative technology—insects as feed—was evaluated in the study. The findings indicate that there is a proportion of the sample that is enthusiastic about advancing the circular economy transition |
Buccaro et al. [41] | Economic | The objective of this research endeavor is to assess the industrial viability and technological efficacy of a poultry feed manufacturing process that utilizes the pre-treated organic fraction of municipal solid waste as a substrate for the larval development of Hermetia illucens. The results indicate that it is not possible to classify the model as profitable, as its profitability is highly dependent on the economies of scale |
Cadinu et al. [109] | Environmental and economic | The review focuses on the three insect species that look set to positively influence aquaculture, which is the activity currently most sensitive to circularity and sustainability innovation. Finally, the environmental and economic challenges that the sector will face are appropriately highlighted |
Cammack et al. [84] | Environmental | This analysis centers on the potential contribution of the Black Soldier Fly to the management of the substantial quantities of manure and unprocessed materials that may be generated. Furthermore, there is speculation regarding the potential of other species, such as the housefly and the lesser mealworm, to contribute significantly to the management of animal manure and the production of valuable products |
Chia et al. [42] | Environmental, economic, and social | Insect farming to encourage inclusive activities among smallholder farmers in the agribusiness value chain is examined in the review. The results indicate that inclusive business models that rely on insects may aid in the resolution of socioeconomic and environmental issues in developing nations |
Colombo et al. [92] | Environmental and economic | The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the function of blue food production, and to analyze the potential of this framework to enhance the resilience and sustainability of aquaculture. The findings indicate that insects would contribute to a sustainable future in this context |
Dagevos and Taufik [105] | Social | The purpose of this research is to assess whether consumers’ inclination toward circularity serves as a defining feature in their willingness to consume insects. The findings indicate that individuals who prioritize sustainability do not exhibit a heightened sensitivity towards the consumption of insects, and that processed insect-based foods to be more palatable in comparison to consuming whole insects |
Derler et al. [83] | Environmental | A comprehensive summary of the by-products that have been or may be administered to Tenebrio molitor is presented in the article. Diverse viewpoints are offered by the results, which may contribute to the development of circular and environmental resource-efficient food and feed production |
DiGiacomo and Leury [36] | Environmental and economic | The prospective use of insect-derived proteins as a dietary source for the Australian swine industry is the focus of the review. The outcomes illustrate environmentally sustainable practices that facilitate the production of sustenance and fertilizer |
Eskelinen et al. [43] | Social | The research offers insights into the determinants that influence societal adoption of novel protein-based food sources, as well as feed and fertilizers derived from organic refuse. The results indicate that males are more receptive to insect-derived protein products |
Gasco et al. [93] | Environmental and legislative | Regulations that govern and restrict the mass production and applications of insects are also discussed, as is the potential use of insects to valorize food refuse for animal feed |
Gasco et al. [143] | Environmental | The article examines the potential of insect excrement as a viable fertilizer, noting its reduced environmental impact compared to synthetic fertilizers. The findings suggest that the insect market makes a significant contribution within the framework of a circular bioeconomy |
Girotto and Cossu [91] | Environmental, economic, and legislative | An overview of the potentially advantageous applications of worms and insects in waste management is presented in this article. According to the results, existing legislation is incapable of granting approval to the essential protocols required to guarantee a secure and methodically implemented implementation of the emerging invertebrate biorefinery economy |
Girotto and Piazza [80] | Legislative | The occasion centers around the utilization of food refuse as a valuable biomass resource to support the development of novel nutrients, including insects. The findings reveal deficiencies and constraints within the legislative structure |
Gold et al. [85] | Environmental and economic | This research undertakes a methodical evaluation of Black Soldier Fly Larvae treatment substrates for the modernization of a plant in Nairobi. The results indicate that most organic waste is currently unsuitable for plant upgrades due to inorganic contamination and the absence of cost-effective waste collection services |
Haq et al. [87] | Environmental and economic | In this study, several new markets were evaluated, including insect farms for the development of a potential industrial symbiosis architecture in Finland. The results indicate that this symbiosis is expected to achieve a value of 14.65% and reduce costs by 6.8%, which will enable these companies to meet the requirements of the circular economy and sustainability |
Jagtap et al. [98] | Environmental and economic | The larvae of the black soldier fly are identified as a bioreactor in this study; they transform the preponderance of food debris into high-value feed materials |
Kee et al. [107] | Environmental | This article provides an overview of the current state of the insect industry, including organic waste potential for bioconversion and insect biorefinery |
Mancini et al. [117] | Social | The review examines the prospective developments in the insect market. The findings indicate that this industry is experiencing growth, and its prospects are contingent not only on the demand for food but also for feed, which is anticipated to have substantial demand in the future |
Maroušek et al. [103] | Environmental and economic | This review provides an analysis of the commercial implications of incorporating insects into intensive aquaculture feeding practices. The primary results demonstrate that Black Soldier Fly Larvae exhibit the greatest adaptability about the range of organic waste that can be utilized, automation and scalability, nutritional composition, as well as circular and environmental implications |
Martins et al. [145] | Social | The study’s primary aim is to ascertain the determinants that impact consumer inclination towards attempt new dishes. The findings indicate that insect-based foods are a novel food category for Europeans, and that their nutritional profile, reduced ecological imprint, and high social acceptability in comparison to other protein sources are the driving forces behind this trend. Furthermore, culture, individual and social beliefs, the tactile, olfactory, visual, and gustatory senses influence the consumption of insect-based foods |
Mishyna et al. [149] | Social | The purpose of the study is to determine the attitudes and intentions regarding the production and consumption of edible insects for human consumption on a local, industrial, and household level. Respondents exhibited a greater preference for environmental, economic, expert support, and safety considerations, while industrial insect production was deemed more economically viable. Domestic production was hindered by a lack of knowledge and information, economic considerations, inconvenience, and economic factors |
Moruzzo et al. [144] | Environmental and legislative | The research examines the market potential of insects with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals. Future utilization of edible insects will necessitate the establishment of knowledge-sharing networks, investment in interdisciplinary research, and the formulation of sustainable policies, according to the findings |
Moruzzo et al. [148] | Environmental, social, and legislative | The article investigates the viability of incorporating Tenebrio Molitor into circular production systems through an analysis of its implementation and suitability across various industries, including agriculture and food. Notwithstanding the insect’s remarkable adaptability and potential as a substitute nutrient source, the findings suggest that numerous legislative and behavioral obstacles continue to impede its acceptance and implementation |
Ojha et al. [82] | Environmental and economic | By amalgamating the manufacturing of edible insects with the recovery of food refuse, this document offers a compelling solution to the challenge of closing the food value chain |
Ouko et al. [128] | Social | The aim of this research was to ascertain the perceived advantages and disadvantages of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) meal in aquaculture, as well as the factors that influence the endorsement of BSFL in fish production. The results indicate that stakeholders are in accord and have a high degree of acceptance regarding the necessity of using BSFL as a protein constituent in aquaculture. Policy, health inspection, feed safety, environmental influences, and fish quality were deemed the most crucial factors |
Parolini et al. [96] | Environmental | Concerning the usability, applicability, and efficacy of earthworms as an alternative protein feed in aquaculture and poultry production, the manuscript provides a synopsis. Because of the findings, mealworm incorporation into animal nutrition would enhance environmental sustainability by facilitating high-quality final products while maintaining efficient production |
Pinotti and Ottoboni [81] | Environmental | The review provides an examination of research that has assessed the bioconversion of various substrates by insects. Insects have the capacity to contribute to a circular economy by converting both low-quality and high-quality organic matter into high-quality biomass, according to key findings |
Pinotti et al. [145] | Environmental | The findings of this research suggest that insects have the potential to impact the quality of meat, particularly about specific constituents like lipid content and overall quality. Alternative feeds are anticipated to be utilized more frequently on a global scale to substitute conventional feeds, thereby mitigating their ecological footprint |
Piwowar et al. [135] | Social | The purpose of the research is to assess the level of consumer reception towards novel food items, including edible insects. According to the findings, participants’ intentions to choose insect-based food products increased significantly after they were informed of the environmental and circular advantages of entomophagy |
Ranjbari et al. [88] | Environmental and economic | This bibliometric analysis aims to provide a complete map of the body of knowledge present in the world literature on biomass and organic waste from a circular economy perspective. Among the results emerges the role of the insect biorefinery of waste management in the CE framework |
Roffeis et al. [141] | Environmental | An examination and comparison of the process performance of various insect-based feed production systems utilizing Musca domestica and Hermetia illucens cultivated on distinct substrates are the objectives of this study. Despite having the highest conversion efficiency, Hermetia Illucens demonstrated significantly greater inputs in terms of labor, fossil fuel consumption, and effluent generation |
Roffeis et al. [100]) | Environmental and economic | This research examines the ecological impact of insect-based feeds (IBF) manufacturing. Research has shown that the effects of IBFs are predominantly influenced by the environmental pressures imposed on breeding substrates and breeding techniques. Additionally, an examination in contrast to conventional feed brought to light the ecological drawbacks associated with ongoing IBF production initiatives |
Rumbos and Athanassiou [121] | Environmental and economic | The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the current research status concerning insects as a source of sustenance and nutrition, as well as other exploitation-related aspects of insect farming |
Sampathkumar et al. [101] | Environmental, economic, and legislative | The purpose of this review is to present a thorough examination of the potential for industrial food waste to be converted into aquaculture feed as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal. This will be achieved by analyzing current regulations pertaining to waste utilization in aquaculture, public opinion, and the outlook for the future of food waste conversion into aquaculture feed |
Spartano and Grasso [102] | Social | The research examines the factors that influence individuals’ willingness to attempt (WTT) and pay (WTP) for eggs produced by chickens fed insects, as well as the determinants of these behaviors. The results indicate that revulsion is a barrier to consumption and that most consumers are prepared to attempt and pay for the product |
Spartano and Grasso [99] | Social | The study aims to explore consumer attitudes and perceptions towards insect-fed eggs and the factors that influence intentions to consume and purchase the product. The results indicate that price and disgust towards insects as feed are the main barriers, while improved welfare standards and information on benefits are the main drivers |
Suckling et al. [110] | Economic | A case study utilizing Hermetia Illucens in compact bioconversion units is presented in this work. Three business models are assessed, two of which rely on desiccated Black Soldier Fly meal utilized as aquaculture feed and one of which utilizes live Black Soldier Fly Larvae to nourish local poultry. The live BSFL business model has demonstrated the greatest resilience and the highest profit margins |
Tanga et al. [142] | Environmental, economic, and legislative | This review provides an analysis of recent research trends pertaining to farmed insect species and critical substrates, a map of commercial enterprises, nutritional values of insects, processing techniques, marketing strategies, regulatory framework, and insights gained from insect farming. The results offer significant insights into the economic and technical aspects and establish a distinct trajectory for expanding the use of these technologies in the pursuit of a circular food economy |
Tavares et al. [95] | Economic | The objective of this study is to assess the economic viability of incorporating Tenebrio Molitor feed into the broiler chicken diet. The findings suggest that the incorporation of insect meal into poultry diets led to a proportional increase in feed costs. However, the gross margin experienced a significant decline of 93% to 98% when this ingredient was included in diets varying from 4 to 12%, in comparison to the control diet |
van Huis [89] | Social | The review examines the insect industry, which is undergoing accelerated development despite approaching numerous obstacles. The results indicate that these issues can solely be resolved through the collaborative efforts of all relevant parties |
van Huis et al. [116] | Environmental, economic, social, and legislative | The article covers a variety of subjects pertaining to the production of insects for consumption and as feed, including environmental impact, facility design, substrates, insect welfare and the assessment of regulatory frameworks. In addition, consumer perceptions of food products derived from insects and the sector’s challenges and policy are discussed |
Van PhI et al. [86] | Environmental | The objective of this study is to assess the environmental performance of the symbiosis model in comparison to a no-symbiosis model, as well as to compare the environmental impacts associated with the production of insect meal and insect oil in comparison to their respective alternatives. The outcomes demonstrate that the implementation of the symbiosis model substantially alters the environmental footprint by 83% and CO2 emissions and fossil resource depletion are reduced, respectively. Insect meal and insect oil produced using the symbiosis model were also shown to be more sustainable, with CO2 emissions reduced by a minimum of 55% and 83%, respectively, when compared to the best alternatives |
van Raamsdonk et al. [127] | Environmental and legislative | The research paper provides a comprehensive examination of various facets including feed safety, environmental concerns, efficiency, and insect identity detection. Additionally, this paper addresses the legal limitations that pertain to the safety of insect-based foods in terms of contaminants, heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, and pathogens |