Insect protein sustainability assessments need broader scope, industry commentary argues
A new industry commentary published on 28 September 2026 calls on researchers and producers to move beyond conventional life cycle assessment when evaluating insect-derived feed ingredients, arguing that scale effects, resource competition and functional animal nutrition benefits are routinely overlooked. Representatives from Innovafeed and Protix cite industrial-scale emissions data to support the case for updated assessment frameworks.
Sustainability assessments of insect-derived feed ingredients should look beyond conventional life cycle assessment (LCA) to capture scale effects, resource competition and functional benefits in animal nutrition, according to an industry commentary published on 28 September 2026 by World Fishing & Aquaculture.
The commentary argues that existing studies can present a distorted picture because many rely on laboratory or pilot-scale data, where energy use, feedstock logistics and production volumes differ substantially from industrial operations. It also contends that comparisons with established protein sources can overlook the environmental costs associated with land and marine resource constraints.
Marine Bézagu, PhD, head of Product Development Aquaculture at Innovafeed, argued that insect protein occupies a distinct position relative to conventional alternatives. "Soy will run out of land, fishmeal will run out of fish: you can pay more for them, but you can't pay the planet to catch up," she said. "Insects add protein without drawing on either, and will get better with scale."
The commentary cites research showing wide variation in reported emissions from black soldier fly production, depending on feedstock, energy use, production scale and allocation methodology. Innovafeed reports that its protein carbon intensity fell fivefold from 2022 to 1.2 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of protein in 2025, with further reductions targeted through process optimisation.
Industrial integration is identified as a further factor influencing environmental performance. Recovering waste heat and using wet organic by-products from neighbouring industries can reduce energy and feedstock requirements compared with less integrated production models, according to the commentary.
Stijn Harms, chief technology officer at Protix, said results at industrial scale are already demonstrating improvement. "Industrial-scale insect production already shows that environmental performance can improve substantially as processes mature and scale," he said. "What excites me most is the potential for further gains through continued innovation, efficiency and better integration within the food and feed system."
The commentary concludes that future assessments should combine LCA with consequential impacts, scalability and potential in-farm benefits, including improved feed efficiency and animal health.
Prepared with AI assistance by Endata and reviewed by the editorial team.
