Protix, a Netherlands-based insect farming company, has secured €1 million in funding from Invest International’s Developmental Accelerator. The company focuses on producing insect-based proteins as sustainable alternatives in the food and feed industry. With this investment, Protix will extend its operations to South Korea, where food waste management systems are among the most advanced globally. The expansion aligns with the country’s efforts to maximize resource utilization and support a circular food system. Protix aims to leverage South Korea’s regulatory environment, which allows food waste to be converted into insect feed, a practice not permitted in the European Union.
Protix has been working on scaling its operations beyond the Netherlands for several years. Previously, the company raised significant investments to develop its facilities and enhance production efficiency. Compared to earlier expansion efforts, the move to South Korea introduces a new approach, utilizing the country’s structured waste management policies. The decision reflects Protix’s strategic adaptation to different regulatory landscapes, prioritizing regions where its insect protein technology can be implemented with fewer restrictions.
Why is South Korea an ideal location?
South Korea manages over 15,000 tons of food waste daily, collected from households, restaurants, and other businesses. Unlike the European Union, which imposes strict regulations on using food waste as insect feed, South Korea permits controlled conversions of organic waste into sustainable protein sources. The country has developed a highly organized waste system that facilitates efficient recycling and resource recovery.
“In South Korea, two important factors come together: the regulations are more favorable and the food waste infrastructure is highly advanced. The country places great importance on making full use of all the valuable nutrients that enter the country, which is why they have developed such a well-organized food waste management system which makes it a great match for Protix,” said Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology at Protix.
How will Protix operate in South Korea?
Protix will establish a new facility in collaboration with local partners, designed to process up to 130,000 tons of food waste each year. This plant will be twice the size of its existing site in the Netherlands, allowing for a significant increase in production capacity. The project aims to convert food waste and agri-food byproducts into insect-based proteins, oils, and fertilizers, supporting sustainable animal feed and pet food industries.
Protix was founded in 2009 and specializes in using black soldier fly larvae to create sustainable protein sources. These proteins serve as alternatives to fishmeal and soy, helping reduce reliance on traditional feed production methods. The company’s insect-based ingredients are used in aquaculture, pet food, and livestock feed, contributing to lower emissions and resource-efficient food production.
“We’re inspired by the natural role insects play in ecosystems — nothing goes to waste in nature. Insects transform organic leftovers into valuable nutrients, completing the circle. We want to bring that circularity back into our modern food system,” said Stijn Harms.
Protix’s expansion into South Korea highlights a broader trend of integrating alternative protein sources into agriculture. With increasing concerns about food security and environmental sustainability, insect farming is being explored as a viable option. South Korea’s waste management infrastructure provides an opportunity to test large-scale applications of this technology. While regulatory challenges persist in several regions, the success of this facility could influence future policies regarding food waste utilization in the EU and beyond.
