The plant has 2,700 square meters and will process 1,200 metric tons of flour and 5,000 of compost
On the afternoon of this Wednesday, December 1, the first protein meal and insect fertilizer production plant in Latin America was officially inaugurated. Bioconversión SA will breed the Hermetia Illucens fly, known as the black soldier, in its facilities located at the Escuela Superior Politécnica (Espol), in Ecuador.
Bioconversion will be the first operator in Espol’s Special Economic Development Zone (ZEDE). The flour made from this fly has a high nutritional content (45% protein and 26% fat) and can be used to feed animals such as pets or livestock.
Mauricio Laniado: ‘In the next 10 years, insect meal may be an industry that generates up to $ 160 million a year’
This product will also promote the circular economy as organic waste from agribusiness is used to feed the fly larvae. It also becomes a sustainable alternative to traditional sources of protein such as fish and vegetable meal. Meanwhile, the compost can be used in plantations such as banana.
The plant is 2,700 square meters and will process 1,200 metric tons of flour and 5,000 of compost. The total investment of this project will reach $ 2.5 million at the end of the year.
Mauricio Laniado, from Bioconversión, affirmed that with this plant a totally new industry is inaugurated in the country: “Investments in circular economy is the way and that is why we have opted for this project.”
On the other hand, Sergio Flores, from ZEDE, indicated that this plant is a “distinguished” project, since it has an innovation component and that it has the support of the academy. “We must promote development with innovation to generate employment and wealth.” (L)
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