In this episode you will listen to the conversation I recorded with Sergiy Smetana, Head of the Food Data Group at the German Institute of Food Technologies.

We talked about organic waste, how to define it and how it is treated, and the role of insect farming in all of this.

All of these topics, and many many more, will be discussed at INSECTSplus, the event hosted by the same German Institute of Food Technologies, which will celebrate its kick-off from May 12th to 14th.

Sergiy discussed the complexity of food waste, emphasizing that there is no clear legal or scientific definition for it. He explained that food waste is often classified as biomass or discarded materials, and once a product is thrown away, it legally becomes waste, even if it remains in its original, untouched packaging. However, if biomass is repurposed in a hygienic and environmentally safe manner, it is not considered waste. And this opens up opportunities for utilizing discarded materials sustainably, reducing waste and creating new production models.

He outlined common food waste treatment methods, starting with composting. While beneficial, composting generates emissions and often requires transportation, adding to environmental impacts. Another widely used method is anaerobic digestion, where food waste is mixed with other organic materials and processed in biogas plants to produce methane, which is then burned for energy. However, this method generates large amounts of digestate, which can lead to nitrogen overconcentration in agricultural soils, posing environmental challenges.

Transitioning to insect-based waste treatment, Sergiy explained that insects, particularly black soldier flies, can bioconvert organic matter into valuable byproducts.

Insects not only process waste but also improve soil properties through their frass, which acts as a soil enhancer rather than just a fertilizer.

Regarding the present and future of edible insect research at the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL), Sergiy described how their work with insects was exploratory—assessing their potential and providing recommendations to companies. Over time, DIL established a small research facility for producing insect biomass, which was used in projects such as feeding poultry.

As interest in the insect industry grows, DIL aims to facilitate partnerships and cooperation to advance the sector. Sergiy concluded by mentioning an upcoming event, Insects Plus, which aims to further explore opportunities in insects and alternative proteins more generally.

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