In Thailand, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CP Foods) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chiang Mai University (CMU) to develop insect-based protein from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens), embracing Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model.
The agreement signed by Clinical Professor Niwes Nantachit, M.D., CMU President and Dr Pairat Srichana, senior vice president of CP Foods, will commercialise insect-based protein that is a sustainable alternative food source for animal and human nutrition. It is also offering great circular economy opportunities since the insects can efficiently help recycling biowaste.
Associate Professor Yuthana Phimolsiripol, director of Food Innovation and Packaging Center (FIN) at CMU, said that, initially, the University researched on multiple black soldier fly’s products such as skincare from the insect’s larvae oil. The University and CP Foods will explore commercial opportunities from the research.
Under this MoU, CP Foods will fund the project and jointly develop the first smart farm for black soldier fly in Thailand. This pilot farm will also be a learning centre for students, farmers, and the community.
“Chiang Mai University and CP Foods have the same goal, which is to explore the new products for driving Thai agriculture sector towards sustainable growth, using BCG economy model as an outline. This research will not only benefit both organizations, but also farmers across the country, who can generate extra income from this new economic insect,” said Dr Yuthana.
Dr Pairat added that CP Foods has been working on alternative protein sources, whether it is plant-based protein, cell-based protein, and insect-based protein in response to the new sustainable food trend and building food security.
He explained that the company has a keen interest in insect sector. Previously, the company has developed cricket feed in 2013 and starting to research on the benefits of black soldier fly in 2016.
“Black soldier fly is a sustainable choice for alternative protein and fat sources. Therefore, we are making a traceable and value-added insect protein. We hope that our partnership with Chiang Mai University will pave the way for a sustainable and profitable insect industry in Thailand,” said Dr Pairat.
In December, CMU announced that the business sector is very interested in creating products from insects such as food or extracts. CMU began conducting research on the commercialisation of black soldier flies, innovating them as dietary and beauty products. The goal is to create a large-scale research and an innovative program with a high economic value and supporting the development of an entrepreneurial university.Innovated and integrated cosmetic product projects from black soldier flies cover many fields of work from various faculties in CMU; work is being done in the field of embryo impla
ntation, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Science. The research tackles questions such as how cultures should be raised, what is a good environment, because culturing insects in the right temperature and relative humidity will make the insects grow well. Also, this experiment whitens the larvae, making the oil clear in quality and reducing odor until the stage of the drying process and oil extraction. These processes are completed in partnership with the Faculty of Agro-Industry and the Faculty of Science. According to this research, the oil extraction with the help from insects increases oil quality from 4% to about 6.5%, improving the odour and color. The objective is to use oil extracts as an important substance in cosmetics.The research project takes into account future growth for when a more circular economy occurs and it is important to transfer technology to the community. For this reason, the project has a model house with a quality control system, staff development in the Agricultural Sector to increase the capacity, and versatility. Ultimately, this promotes the quality of life for farmers and build’s a regional economy that expands into the industrial sector.
