Volare completes Pori insect protein factory

Volare has completed an insect protein factory in Mikkola, Pori, with commercial production due to begin soon, Yle reports. The facility will process black soldier fly larvae into protein for fish feed and pet food, including cat food.

The company has invested around 15 million euros in the project, which was completed on schedule. The larvae feed on side streams from the food industry, and 40 grams of larvae can grow into as much as a couple of kilograms of raw material for insect protein in a week.

The Pori factory will also produce insect oil for fish feed, pet food and the chemical industry, as well as raw material for agricultural fertiliser. Much of its production capacity has already been sold, including through a supply agreement with Skretting, one of the world’s leading fish feed companies.

Production takes place in a 10,000-square-metre facility, with four-person teams working in shifts. Volare’s target is to produce 5,000 tonnes of protein a year.

“Automation is a very important part of the operation so that we can do this cost-effectively,” Volare chief executive Jarna Hyvönen said.

Volare plans to export the factory concept developed in Pori to other parts of Europe. The company is already negotiating with large global operators about improving the use of production side streams.

Hyvönen said insect protein production depends heavily on raw materials, meaning factories should be located close to their sources to keep logistics costs down. Dried protein powder, she said, is easier to transport.