Professional paper
Biowaste potential: black soldier fly as a sustainable animal feed in Croatia
Marko List
; Consultare d.o.o., Vrbovec, Hrvatska
*
Matija Harcet
; Laboratorij za molekularnu genetiku, Zavod za molekularnu biologiju, Institut Ruđer Bošković, Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
In Croatia, 1,833,341 tons of municipal waste were recorded in 2023, of which 503,553 tons were biowaste. Although efforts have been made in recent years to establish an infrastructure for separate waste collection, only 149,665 tons of biowaste are still separated at the national level, which represents about 30% of the total available amount. The rest, approximately 70%, ends up in landfills, which creates environmental and economic problems such as greenhouse gas emissions, increases the costs of landfill remediation and results in the loss of valuable organic raw materials that could be used in the circular economy. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) represents an innovative and sustainable solution for biowaste processing. Its larvae consume organic residues extremely quickly, converting them into biomass rich in proteins and fats. This process not only significantly reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but also creates high-value products. Protein meal obtained from larval processing can be used as a nutritionally rich ingredient in animal feed, partially replacing soy and fish meal, the production of which often has a negative environmental impact. In addition, the processing byproduct (frass) can be used as a high-quality organic fertilizer, further contributing to the sustainability of this process. The paper presents current data on the state of biowaste in Croatia, as well as an analysis of the biological, technological and economic aspects of larval rearing. The potential for further development of this method, especially through local waste management units or centers, is also considered. Literature and research results confirm the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this practice, emphasizing its contribution to waste reduction and providing alternative sources of protein.
Keywords
biowaste; black soldier fly; Hermetia illucens; sustainable waste management; alternative proteins; circular economy
Hrčak ID:
349367
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
Visits: 0 *