Waste as a source of business opportunities for circular economy and bioeconomy

Ing. Anna MAROUŠKOVÁ

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

This dissertation thesis underlines the promising potential of biowaste processing using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae with the subsequent production of value-added products such as feed components, fertilizers, cosmetics, etc. The concept is gaining global popularity, although legislative challenges initially hindered EU companies, resulting in delays in the placement of BSF products on the market. Nevertheless, EU enterprises, leveraging the time afforded by evolving legislation, emerged with cutting-edge technologies, positioning them to produce high-quality protein for animal feed and other value-added products. The study reveals a significant correlation between business development and scientific achievements in the field of BSF rearing in the EU and EFTA Member states. Another finding of this study was that countries with established Bioeconomy strategies at the national level show higher numbers of publications and established companies in the field of BSF rearing compared to those with Bioeconomy strategies under development or other bioeconomy-related policies. However, the biggest finding of this study is the results of the BSF meal, soybean meal and fish meal competitiveness analysis for the first time conducted in the Czech Republic. The comprehensive analysis showed that BSF meal has the potential to compete with products like soybean meal and fish meal despite its current market price is still a major drawback. The main benefits of the BSF meal are well-balanced nutritional properties and demonstrated positive ecological impact. It was also discovered that under the current conditions, the key bottlenecks are insufficient BSF products supply and the overly strict EU legislation which causes challenges in the price competitiveness. However, based on the review accompanied by the competitiveness analysis results and taking into account political trends, it can be concluded that industrial insect rearing represents a significant commercial potential.

Abstract:

This dissertation thesis underlines the promising potential of biowaste processing using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae with the subsequent production of value-added products such as feed components, fertilizers, cosmetics, etc. The concept is gaining global popularity, although legislative challenges initially hindered EU companies, resulting in delays in the placement of BSF products on the market. Nevertheless, EU enterprises, leveraging the time afforded by evolving legislation, emerged with cutting-edge technologies, positioning them to produce high-quality protein for animal feed and other value-added products. The study reveals a significant correlation between business development and scientific achievements in the field of BSF rearing in the EU and EFTA Member states. Another finding of this study was that countries with established Bioeconomy strategies at the national level show higher numbers of publications and established companies in the field of BSF rearing compared to those with Bioeconomy strategies under development or other bioeconomy-related policies. However, the biggest finding of this study is the results of the BSF meal, soybean meal and fish meal competitiveness analysis for the first time conducted in the Czech Republic. The comprehensive analysis showed that BSF meal has the potential to compete with products like soybean meal and fish meal despite its current market price is still a major drawback. The main benefits of the BSF meal are well-balanced nutritional properties and demonstrated positive ecological impact. It was also discovered that under the current conditions, the key bottlenecks are insufficient BSF products supply and the overly strict EU legislation which causes challenges in the price competitiveness. However, based on the review accompanied by the competitiveness analysis results and taking into account political trends, it can be concluded that industrial insect rearing represents a significant commercial potential.

Keywords

bioeconomy, circular economy, competitiveness, feed, insect protein

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 1. 3. 2024

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedúci: doc. Ing. Eva Cudlínová, CSc.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Economics

Doctoral programme / odbor:
Economics and Management / Management and Business Economics