INSECT ENGINEERS
The Most Efficient Upcycling Processing Plant
The insect industry is still relatively young and has historically focused on crate-based farming methods. However, the industry is evolving, and a new chapter is unfolding. The chapter which acknowledges that BSF farming is a commercially interesting business.
To be commercially viable a key choice must be made, the smart choice is focus on the technology of the next decade, the ZOEM system.
Introducing the ZOEM System
The ZOEM system works with long racks measuring 30 by 1.5 meters and can go up multiple levels, maximizing vertical space utilization to its fullest potential. This innovative setup drastically minimizes the need for constant 24/7 crate handling, streamlining daily operations and reducing labour intensity.
Beyond operational efficiency, the system’s architecture facilitates precise and stable climate control throughout the entire facility. This not only ensures optimal conditions for the BSF larvae but also significantly lowers the overall operational costs per kilogram of organic matter processed. By combining smart design with enhanced environmental control, the ZOEM system delivers both economic and ecological benefits, setting a new standard in sustainable insect farming.
By eliminating labour-heavy processes, the ZOEM system allows farmers to truly focus on farming. Its flexibility and innovative features are what set it apart.
What Makes the ZOEM System Unique?
Multi-phase feeding throughout the cycle
Just like poultry farming uses starter, grower, and finisher feed, the ZOEM system enables targeted feeding at various stages of the larval cycle. This tailored approach results in improved larval performance, better growth rates, and optimized nutritional output.
Dynamic mixing of feed and larvae
The system can actively mix larvae and feed, ensuring:
- Faster heat dissipation
- More uniform access to nutrients
- Improved feed conversion efficiency
Rapid Hydration & Climate Control
Water can be added instantly and uniformly across the entire system, enabling a full-scale commercial rearing room of 600 m² to receive full hydration in just two minutes. This rapid and efficient hydration method prevents the formation of crusts on the substrate surface, ensuring optimal conditions for larval growth and feed conversion.
In addition to maintaining substrate quality, the added moisture also acts as an effective passive cooling mechanism, helping to regulate temperature without relying solely on mechanical systems. This dual-purpose approach not only improves larval welfare and performance but also contributes to greater energy efficiency and operational resilience, particularly during periods of high ambient temperatures.
Prepared for the additives market
As the insect protein sector continues to mature, the use of nutritional additives and functional enhancers is gaining increasing importance in optimizing both growth efficiency and end-product quality. These additives can significantly boost larval performance, feed conversion ratios, and the nutritional profile of the final protein output.
The ZOEM system is purpose-built to support this next stage in insect protein production. Its flexible and modular infrastructure allows for the precise integration of liquid nutritional additives at any point in the production cycle.
Scalable by Design
What truly sets the ZOEM system apart is its built-in scalability. Whether you are operating a pilot facility or a full-scale industrial plant, the ZOEM system can be expanded modularly, without disrupting existing operations.
Experience Our Pilot BSF Farm with the Innovative ZOEM System
At our facility in Horst, the Netherlands, we operate our own pilot BSF farm, fully utilizing the ZOEM system. This allows us to speak from experience and demonstrate the results of the ZOEM system compared to traditional crate methods.
If you would like to see our system in action, you are more than welcome to visit. We can also perform test runs with various substrates and climate settings tailored to your preferences.
For more information about INSECT ENGINEERS, please visit the website www.insectengineers.com and/or feel free to contact them on info@insectengineers.com
You can also read the full issue of our Beta Buzz #6: From Waste To Value publication here
