REINARTZ
Recycling resources – filter cake recirculation in a fully automated insect processing plant
Insect protein is considered a key component of sustainable nutrition in many parts of the world. A current large-scale project at an international customer shows how far the technology has matured: a fully automated dry pressing line with integrated filter cake recycling turns almost 100% of each larva into usable products – without any waste.
From larval stream to market-ready protein – the process in brief
After deactivation and drying, the larvae enter a screw press, which mechanically separates the crude oil. This oil is then clarified in a vertical filter. This is where the filter cake is produced: fine particles rich in protein and fat that are deposited in the filter medium.
Instead of disposing of this valuable residue, a transport screw conveyor returns it via a conveyor belt to the screw press inlet. The return process is seamlessly integrated into the plant control system; sensors ensure that the cake is always mixed in at the optimum dosage.
Three tangible advantages
- No Waste
The filter cake still contains up to 35% oil and high-quality proteins. Recycling this material allows its potential to be reused in the process, reducing waste streams to almost zero and eliminating disposal costs.
- Full Automation
The recycling process closes the last manual gap in operation: a plant operator no longer has to remove or dispose of the cake at fixed intervals – all handling is carried out cyclically via screw conveyors and sensors, controlled by the central PLC.
- True Circular Economy
Oil, press cake and filter residue remain in a closed cycle. The plant thus meets the strictest requirements for resource efficiency and carbon footprint – a decisive factor for investors and trading partners.
‘Not every insect processing plant needs it – but it makes all the difference.’
Filter cake recirculation is not a standard component in every insect line. Its use is particularly worthwhile when:
- High oil and protein yields are required
- Disposal costs for organic residues are rising
- Regulations or brand promises require a zero-waste concept
All three points apply to this project.
Together with the customer, the recycling system was therefore planned, piped and fully integrated into the automation system during the concept phase.
Conclusion
The combination of screw press technology and intelligent filter cake recycling shows how tradition and innovation can work together: proven mechanics meet networked automation, and circular economy becomes a living practice.
The result is an insect protein plant that not only conserves resources but also sets economic standards – and thus delivers exactly what the market demands today.
For more information on REINARTZ, please visit their website www.reinartz.de/en/
Read the full issue of our Beta Buzz #6: From Waste To Value publication here
