Proteinsecta S.L., an innovative company based in Albacete, stands out for its expertise in the development of sustainable technologies for insect farming. Its participation in the European CHEERS project reinforces its commitment to the circular economy. Within the framework of this ambitious project, Proteinsecta S.L. works in collaboration with partners from all over Europe to research and develop solutions to valorise the by-products of agrifood industries such as brewing production, transforming them into high-value ingredients for various sectors. This pioneering initiative not only contributes to reducing the environmental impact of the industry, but also opens up new market opportunities for sustainable and high-quality products.

The fundamental role of Proteinsecta S.L. within the CHEERS project is the construction, design and commissioning of the industrial production of insect biomass using the by-products derived from MAHOU beer brewing in a new pilot plant. Bagasse and yeast are conceived as nutritionally interesting ingredients to be included in the food substrate of the mealworm Tenebrio molitor, which is a compelling reason to biovalorise them through insect farming.

As professionals in the sector, Proteinsecta has carried out a validation study of diets based on beer bagasse and yeast. An experimental procedure was designed in which diet formulations based on different proportions of by-products and base feed were applied. Different variables were measured such as mortality rate, pupation rate, mean larval weight, growth rate, duration of feeding period, biomass increase rate and feed conversion ratio. The trials were carried out in a rearing chamber with constant temperature and humidity control.

Now, with this valuable information discovered about the new by-product diet effects, the best feeding formulations can be selected to take production to the industrial level in the pilot plant that is currently being commisioned, pending analysis and correlation of the nutritional profile of the larvae in terms of protein, fat and micronutrients. The research must go on!