Dutch insect farming pioneer, Protix, has landed a €1 million investment from Invest International’s Developmental Accelerator. The funding will power Protix’s ambitious expansion into South Korea — a global leader in food waste recycling.
Every day, South Korea processes over 15,000 tons of food waste, sourced from households and businesses. Its highly advanced food waste management system sets it apart on the global stage.
What makes South Korea even more attractive is its regulatory environment. Unlike strict EU rules that limit the use of food waste for insect farming, South Korea allows safe conversion of food waste into insect feed — a key factor in Protix’s decision to expand there.
“South Korea brings together two critical factors: favorable regulations and a world-class food waste infrastructure. The country is committed to extracting every valuable nutrient from its waste, making it an ideal partner for our circular food model,” shares Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology at Protix.
Building a Massive Facility to Upcycle 130,000 Tons of Food Waste
Protix plans to collaborate with local South Korean partners to set up a state-of-the-art facility. Once operational, the new plant will process up to 130,000 tons of food waste annually, turning waste into valuable resources.
This new site will be twice as large as Protix’s flagship facility in the Netherlands. It’s designed to transform food waste and agri-food byproducts into sustainable protein, oils, and fertilizers — reinforcing Protix’s mission to create a truly circular food system.
Revolutionizing Protein Production With Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Founded in 2009, Protix has become a global leader in insect-based protein production. The company uses black soldier fly larvae to convert organic waste streams into premium-quality proteins, oils, and natural fertilizers.
These sustainable ingredients are used in animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture — offering a low-emission, eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources like fishmeal and soy.
“We’re inspired by the role insects play in nature — where nothing goes to waste. Our mission is to bring that natural circularity back into our modern food system,” Harms adds.
Paving the Way for a Circular Food System in Asia
Protix’s South Korean expansion marks a significant step towards creating climate-smart protein sources while reducing reliance on resource-intensive alternatives. By tackling food waste head-on, Protix is helping to close the loop in the food chain, turning what was once waste into a valuable resource.
With the backing of Invest International, Protix is well-positioned to scale its impact and set new global benchmarks in sustainable insect farming and circular agriculture.
