Skretting commits to insect meal volume from Protix at grand opening event

• A 30 million tonne projected increase in aquaculture production in the near future means there will be a need for an additional 45 million tonnes of raw materials
• Commercial production of insect meal can help to meet this demand in a sustainable way, contributing to a circular bioeconomy

Today, insect breeder Protix unveiled its state-of-the-art insect production facility in Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands. The event was attended by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander among other guests, including Dr Jenna Bowyer, Skretting Project Procurement Manager, and Jose Villalon, Nutreco Corporate Sustainability Director.

Skretting has signed a deal with Protix that could see up to 5.5 million salmon servings per year brought to market with insect meal incorporated into the feed. “We are very proud to work with Protix to unlock this new protein source into the aquaculture feed industry to help bridge the future protein gap,” says Bowyer. “We have seen players like Protix make quality improvements with every step and believe these products can make a real impact to future protein supply.”

The guests experienced a tour of the new Protix facility, housing insects that convert vegetable residual flows into sustainable protein, contributing to a future-proof, circular bioeconomy.

“This opening marks a real transformation for the entire insect industry, not just for Protix,” says Protix CEO Kees Aarts. “This nursery is unique in the Netherlands, Europe and the world. We are delighted that companies like Skretting are enabling the growing sector of insect protein.”

Skretting has shown considerable commitment to the development of novel ingredients in recent years, including significant investment in R&D. “It is essential for us that these new ingredients are not only safe and sustainable, but also ensure that the end product maintains the nutritional benefits we have come to expect from high quality seafood,” says Bowyer. “The aquaculture industry is very large and growing, and it is essential for us to see novel ingredients brought to commercial scale. We at Skretting support Protix in their developments and we look forward to working with more players in this field.”

Read more about Protix here.