SWITZERLAND – Bühler Insect Technology Solutions, leading solution provider for the food and feed industry has announced partnership with Alfa Laval, world leader in heat transfer, separation and fluid handling to offer advanced solutions in insect processing.

Through combined efforts, the two will combine their expertise in modular insect plant solutions for the fast-growing protein industry.

The partnership seeks to address issues arising in the industry including rising costs, potential health and growth benefits of insect-based ingredients for animals and an increased focus on sustainability.

Insect producers are set to benefit from cutting-edge solutions for food, feed and advanced materials industry as they address the growing demand for innovative protein sources.

Bühler Insect Technology Solutions and Alfa Laval aim to leverage each company’s technology capabilities, engineering know-how and market access.

The two companies said they have jointly developed tailored solutions for heat transfer, solid and lipid separation, and fluid transfer that can be integrated seamlessly into modular insect plant solutions.

“In Alfa Laval we are proud to have found a partner who shares our approach and vision in this exciting new industry.

Thanks to this collaboration, we can further increase the efficiency and reliability of our solutions, setting high standards for the industry right from the start,” said Andreas Aepli, CEO Bühler Insect Technology Solutions.

As part of the agreement, Buhler and Alfa Laval will cooperate on further research and development, marketing and after-sales services of the products which will be offered exclusively through Bühler Insect Technology Solutions.

“With the combined offering, we are in a unique position to provide the best insect processing solution in the market with unmatched product quality and safety,” said Sumit Pingle, Vice President Agro & Protein Systems at Alfa Laval.

Growing demand for alternative protein is fuelled by health concerns, environmental ethics, sustainability initiatives and companies are heavily investing in this market.

According to Buhler, insects offer a unique opportunity to address both challenges: protein supply and organic waste disposal.

Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods has strengthened its position in the growing insect protein sector by investing in edible insect producer Entomo Farms.

The company claims that Entomo Farms is the largest farmer of insects suitable for human consumption in North America.