Quotes from PetfoodIndustry, May 28, 2024
By Lisa Cleaver
Loopworm provides a range of eco-friendly insect proteins, specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of animals and pets. These innovative offerings contribute to a sustainable food system by utilizing alternative protein sources that are less taxing on the environment.
Loopworm, a pioneering enterprise in the field of agricultural biotechnology located in Bangalore, India, is innovating in the realm of sustainability by converting food waste into nutrient-dense proteins and other beneficial compounds. This initiative not only contributes to waste reduction but also aims to revolutionize industries such as livestock nutrition and domestic animal nourishment. The company’s efforts signify a step towards a more circular economy, where waste is not an endpoint but a starting point for new products.
In 2019, the entrepreneurial duo of Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri established a venture with a visionary goal. Their mission was to tackle the pressing issue of food wastage in India, enhance the earnings of marginal farmers, and demonstrate the potential of Indian biotechnology in surmounting ecological hurdles. The enterprise, Loopworm, regards two versatile insect varieties – the silkworm and the black soldier fly – as pivotal to innovating the concepts of protein and fat sources for aquaculture, poultry, and pet nutrition. Moreover, the company’s offerings are not only eco-friendly but also fortified with vital nutrients that promote well-being across various life forms, as articulated by Bagaria.
Loopworm is at the forefront of utilizing insects to create premium components and enhancements for pet nutrition, as conveyed by Bagaria to the Pet food Industry. Recognizing insects as a burgeoning sustainable biological resource, they play a crucial role in the natural nourishment of wildlife. Consequently, this contributes to a range of functional advantages and promotes the well-being of domestic animals.
Loopworm harnesses the nutritional benefits of silkworms nourished on a diet of fresh leaves to create a variety of products. According to Bagaria, the company offers a selection of insect protein concentrates with varying levels, including options with 65% and 50% protein content. Additionally, they produce an oil enriched with 35% Omega 3 fatty acids. The research and development division at Loopworm has further innovated by formulating protein hydrolysates derived from various insect types, intended for use as a nutritional additive in pet foods.
Sustainable Pet Food: Loopworm’s Strategic Partnerships in Insect Protein
Loopworm collaborates closely with insect farming operations, adhering to stringent quality control measures to source insects. This collaboration facilitates rapid expansion capabilities to meet the increasing need for premium pet food components, as highlighted by Bagaria.
He pointed out that insects are a highly efficient option for cultivation and reproduction, necessitating significantly reduced quantities of land, water, and energy. The majority of insect species consume organic biomass, which they utilize minimally. Consequently, insects represent an exceptionally sustainable new biological resource, guaranteeing a minimal ecological footprint.
Loopworm’s premier offerings, named LoopGrubs, LoopMeal, and LoopOil, are meticulously developed to provide enhanced nutritional value and functional advantages for use in aquaculture, poultry, and pet nutrition. These innovative solutions serve as a sustainable option and play a significant role in promoting the well-being and vigor of animals.
- LoopGrubs represent an eco-friendly and nutrient-rich food source, nurtured exclusively on a diet derived from plants, without the use of antibiotics. They are a rich source of premium protein, possess a greater quantity of fats, and have a distinctive composition of fatty acids. This makes them an excellent choice for a sustainable and health-conscious feed option.
- LoopMeal constitutes a concentrated form of insect protein, with a reduction in fat content, offering a crude protein composition of under 60%. This product is abundant in bioactive peptides that are known to support antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. It is crafted for incorporation as a functional component within formulations for aquatic animals, poultry, and pet diets.
- LoopOil is obtained through a purification process of crude oil, which is a byproduct of producing LoopMeal without the use of solvents. This versatile product serves as an energy source and can be incorporated directly into pet food or livestock feed, or applied as a coating to improve taste appeal.
