Project Summary
Protix, a leading Dutch insect protein company, is expanding its innovative circular technology to South Korea, a country known for its advanced food waste management systems. Protix uses black soldier fly larvae to transform food waste streams into high-quality proteins, oils, and natural fertilizers — ingredients used in animal feed, aquaculture feed, and pet food.
In South Korea, Dutch technology and expertise meet local infrastructure to create a fully circular solution. Working with local partners, Protix will upcycle up to 130,000 tons of food waste annually at a new facility, turning food waste into valuable feed ingredients. South Korea’s progressive regulations, which allow waste streams from restaurants, supermarkets, and food service to be used as insect feed, offer a perfect fit for Protix’s technology — something not yet fully permitted in Europe due to regulatory restrictions.
Invest International provides €1 million in development capital through its Development Accelerator, financing the technical, commercial, and legal feasibility studies for the project. This type of early-stage financing is rarely available from commercial banks, especially for capital-intensive, high-risk projects in new international markets. Invest International’s support allows Protix to bring their proven sustainable solutions to South Korea.
Our Impact
Supporting job creation and economic growth
Protix currently employs 150 people in the Netherlands, with plans to add around 100 new jobs as its technology scales internationally.
Reducing the carbon footprint of protein production
Compared to conventional feed ingredients, Protix’s ProteinX® meal reduces emissions by 78% compared to poultry meal and up to 89% compared to soy protein concentrate, a commonly used aquaculture ingredient.
Turning food waste into feed ingredients
The future South Korean facility is expected to upcycle up to 130,000 tons of organic waste per year, transforming food waste into high-quality insect protein, oil, and fertilizer.
Protecting marine ecosystems by reducing overfishing
Insect-based protein from Protix offers a sustainable alternative to fishmeal, helping reduce reliance on wild fish stocks and supporting the protection of marine biodiversity.
Preserving land and protecting biodiversity
By replacing conventional protein sources like soy, Protix helps reduce agricultural land use and combat deforestation linked to feed production. Its vertical farming model produces high-value ingredients on a fraction of the land required for crops like soy.
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