TicInsect wins Fossil-Free Recognition from WWF Switzerland

TicInsect, a Swiss start-up company active in the circular economy thanks to the valorisation of organic waste by means of the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens), has received the Fossil-Free recognition by WWF Switzerland, Swiss Italian section. The ceremony took place in the setting of the USI Startup Centre, at the new Campus East Usi-Supsi, where the start-up is being incubated.

The importance of TicInsect's work can be understood by looking at demographic trends: by 2050 the human population will reach 10 billion and the demand for meat and fish - sources of noble proteins - will increase dramatically. At present, aquaculture is based on overexploitation of the world's fish stocks while cattle and poultry farming is based on soya cultivation, often deforesting areas of immense wealth in terms of the biodiversity of fauna and flora.

On the other hand 2.8 million tonnes of food waste are produced in Switzerland every year, 39% coming from households and 37% from the food industry. TicInsect was created as an answer to this productive short-circuit that Elisa Filippi decided to try to solve: using the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly to dispose of organic waste and obtain by-products with high added value such as noble proteins, fertiliser for agriculture and oil for biofuels. The first is used for animal husbandry and pet food, the second for agriculture and the third as an alternative fuel to fossil fuels.

In 2020, TicInsect secured CHF25k with a successful crowdfunding campaign. The start-up used the funds to buy 30 small breeding houses for the Black Soldier Fly. With the support from the flies the start-up turns already food waste into noble proteins, oil and soil fertiliser.