Project Content

The project can be subdivided into three main research areas that build on each other. The starting point of the project work is the development of a feed material database for the hermetia process. The objective is to reduce the production costs on the substrate side and to increase the sustainability of the manufacturing process by using residual and waste materials suitable as animal feed. The economic efficiency of the manufacturing process as well as the sustainability and acceptance of Hermetia insect products would thus be significantly increased.

Building on the results of the first research focus, a process development for the targeted adjustment of the fatty acid composition of insect fat in the Hermetia process is being carried out with the aim of optimizing the raw fat quality. The fatty acid composition of insect fat is to be actively influenced by means of targeted control of biological feed conversion. The aim is to shift the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids in insect fat as well as to shift the acid spectrum to certain high-quality single fatty acids.

Subsequently, the development of a cost-effective product purification process of insect fat for obtaining bio-based and biodegradable high-performance lubricants is planned. The aim is to develop an economical manufacturing process for insect fat-based biolubricants, which will be implemented by Hermetia Baruth GmbH after the end of the project or can be carried out by specialized companies in the form of external subcontracting.

The final marketing strategy for the insect fat-based biolubricants will be derived on the basis of the individual project activities. Project results will be presented to the scientific public and users through scientific publications and lectures.