Key Takeaways
- FreezeM Ltd and Agroloop Hungary Ltd. have partnered to introduce the first fully decoupled insect farming factory, separating Black Soldier Fly (BSF) breeding from production.
- FreezeM will supply Agroloop with PauseM® units, pre-counted BSF neonates, from its breeding hub in Germany.
- The model aims to address challenges such as production instability, inefficiency, and high costs associated with traditional vertically integrated BSF farming.
- Agroloop’s operations will focus on bioconverting organic side streams into BSF-based protein, oil, and fertilizer, while FreezeM manages breeding.
- An automated system developed by the two companies can deploy up to 200 million neonates daily, enhancing scalability and efficiency.
Introducing a Decoupled Insect Farming Model
FreezeM Ltd, known for its Black Soldier Fly (BSF) breeding technology, has partnered with Agroloop Hungary Ltd., a European insect farming company, to launch a decoupled insect farming model. Traditionally, BSF protein production combines breeding and production within a single facility, but this approach has posed challenges, including high operational costs and scalability limits.
Under the new collaboration, Agroloop will rely on FreezeM’s PauseM® breeding-as-a-service solution, which supplies pre-counted and life-cycle suspended BSF neonates. These units allow Agroloop to streamline operations, reducing risks and enabling a focus on converting organic side streams into BSF-based products such as protein, oil, and fertilizer.
Operational Efficiency and Scalability
FreezeM’s breeding hub in Germany, developed in collaboration with Hermetia GmbH, provides a steady supply of PauseM® units to Agroloop. Each unit is optimized for consistent production and improved yields. Agroloop’s benchmarking tests demonstrated that this approach offers superior operational consistency and higher production efficiency compared to traditional vertically integrated systems.
To support scalability, the collaboration has also developed an Automated PauseM® Deployment System, capable of processing up to 4,000 PauseM® units daily. This automation corresponds to the deployment of approximately 200 million BSF neonate larvae, significantly increasing production capacity while minimizing manual labor requirements.
Advantages of the Decoupled Model
The decoupled farming model offers several advantages for the insect farming industry:
- Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing breeding reduces costs associated with maintaining in-house breeding facilities.
- Streamlined Operations: Agroloop can focus on production and bioconversion while relying on FreezeM for breeding.
- Scalability: The automated deployment system supports high-volume production with reduced operational complexity.
- Sustainability: The model optimizes resource use and promotes sustainable practices in insect farming.
Leadership Perspectives
Yuval Gilad, CEO and Co-Founder of FreezeM, commented: “Our collaboration with Agroloop marks a new era for BSF farming. By decoupling breeding from production with PauseM®, we’re addressing major challenges in the industry and paving the way for scalable and efficient insect farming solutions.”
Rajmond Percze, CEO and Co-Founder of Agroloop, added: “After extensive research, we chose PauseM® as our outsourced breeding solution because it aligns with our vision for next-generation insect farming. This partnership allows us to meet growing global demand and achieve efficient, financially viable production.”
