December 4, 2024

 

India insect firm gains EU approval for silkworm-derived products in animal nutrition

India-based insect company Loopworm has achieved EU TRACES certification for its silkworm pupae-derived products, enabling its entry into the European Union market for pet and animal nutrition.

 

The approval, under certification number CAPEXIL/SR/PAC/ABP-PET/2425/402, grants Loopworm full authorisation to supply its ingredients within the EU.

 

The certification marks a significant step for Loopworm, which operates a GMP+, ISO 22000, and HACCP-certified facility with an annual production capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes. The process was facilitated with assistance from DGFT officials, AQCS Bangalore, and CAPEXIL Chennai, ensuring the certification was completed within a few months.

 

Co-founder and CEO Ankit Alok Bagaria stated, "Receiving the EU TRACES certification is a significant milestone validating our commitment to quality and compliance to international standards. Europe is an exceptional market for sustainable, high-quality ingredients, and we are eager to meet the growing demand for sustainable nutrition in pet and animal feed."

 

Since the launch of its LoopFactory in April 2024, Loopworm has been supplying multiple truckloads of its protein and fat products monthly, primarily to the Asian aquaculture sector. These products have demonstrated benefits in shrimp feed, notably in enhancing feed palatability and improving growth rates.

 

Loopworm's silkworm pupae are leaf-fed and reared under ambient, climate-friendly conditions. The resulting products are nutrient-rich, containing 65% protein with essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine, threonine, and arginine, as well as trace minerals like selenium. The fat content includes 35% omega-3, 6% omega-6, and 25% omega-9 fatty acids, along with natural vitamin E, phospholipids, and sterols.

 

The company is expanding its portfolio to include insect-derived palatants, flavour enhancers, and functional products, with several already optimised at pilot scale. One area of interest involves silkworm-derived biomolecules for use in anti-diabetic and anti-obesity formulations for pets.

 

Additionally, Loopworm's R&D team is developing a recombinant protein platform to produce high-value animal therapeutics, biologicals, and diagnostics at a reduced cost. This technology aims to transform the production of complex biomolecules.

 

"We are thrilled to enter the European market and are already in discussions with multiple pet food companies eager to integrate our products into their formulations. While we're here to learn from our customers, we're equally committed to educating them about the unique benefits of our sustainable products," Ankit added.

 

-      AquaFeed