Dapibus Biotech Facility Expands Black Soldier Fly Protein Production in Spain

Dapibus, a biotechnology firm based in Abrera, Barcelona, is advancing the production of high-value protein derived from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. This initiative addresses the global need for sustainable protein sources, projected to increase by 50% to meet the demands of a world population nearing 10 billion by 2050.

The automated biotransformation facility operated by Dapibus is engineered to process over 16,000 tons of agro-food waste annually. This process yields value-added derivatives, including protein meal, fats, and organic fertilizer. The operational efficiency of Dapibus relies on the integration of advanced technologies, notably robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to scale production effectively. The resulting protein product serves as a crucial raw material for the animal feed sector, encompassing pet food, livestock, and aquaculture.

BSF larvae are recognized for their high protein content, typically ranging between 40–60%, and their efficient capacity to convert organic waste. Furthermore, this process supports a circular economy, as the insect rearing residue is repurposed as plant fertilizer. The breeding of BSF offers distinct advantages over conventional protein sources; it requires significantly less land and generates a lower carbon footprint. Specifically, BSF cultivation costs are reported to be 30% lower than traditional proteins, featuring a rapid generation cycle of only 15–18 days and a carbon footprint reduction of up to 65%.

Dapibus has established international expansion plans, targeting the launch of a facility substantially larger than the current Abrera site before 2030, aiming to secure a dominant position in the European insect protein market. This strategy is supported by increasing regulatory acceptance in Europe for insects as a sustainable protein source. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has authorized several insect species as novel foods, facilitating market entry for related products.

The company is positioning itself within a market segment estimated to reach USD 4.6 billion by 2027. While the integration of insect protein into broader markets necessitates ongoing safety research, particularly concerning heavy metal accumulation and anti-nutritional factors, Dapibus’s focus on automated processing and agro-food waste utilization demonstrates a technological pathway toward meeting global nutritional requirements with environmentally sound production methods.