Trendlines : Insectta announces Grand Opening of Insect Biomaterial Extraction Pilot Plant

Insectta, a leading company in the insect industry, announced today the grand opening of its new insect biomaterial extraction pilot plant. This milestone marks the beginning of Insectta's industrialisation of its patented black soldier fly (BSF) chitosan and melanin extraction process, which has already attracted the attention of industry experts and customers alike. With the successful completion of the pilot facility, the company is positioned for substantial growth, enhancing its production capacity to better serve a broader customer base, solidifying its position as a key player in the insect industry.

Pilot Production Facility

A grand opening ceremony attended by Insectta's collaborators and stakeholders was held on 24th Nov 2023. Located at JTC Cleantech Three, the latest development in JTC's CleanTech Park, the pilot facility allows Insectta to increase its production capacity by 30 times. Alongside a ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were treated to tours of the pilot facility and a presentation of Insectta's product development roadmap ahead.

Insectta's proprietary and patented technology

In a market saturated with insect protein, oil, and fertilizer startups, Insectta stands out with its innovative chitosan and melanin extraction technology, poised to redefine the applications of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) derivatives. Beyond the conventional uses in insect-related products, Insectta's advancements open doors to new frontiers, particularly in the pharmaceuticals, personal wellness, and organic electronics industries. Chitosan, a versatile biomaterial celebrated for its wound healing and antioxidant properties, finds applications across diverse sectors from pharmaceuticals to personal wellness. Simultaneously, melanin, a natural pigment distinguished by its electrochemical and healing attributes, emerges as a sought-after choice for the burgeoning fields of organic electronics and biomedicine.

In line with their mission for "insects to power our healthcare and electronics," Insectta is positioned not only to enhance the insect industry's economic value but to elevate its environmental impact. Utilising their patented extraction technique, the Insectta Team has achieved another world first - the ability to extract water soluble melanin in unprecedented quantities. End-users can expect a cleaner, purer, chitosan and a highly functional melanin at an extremely competitive price - all obtained through a circular process that is not only cost-competitive but also less energy-intensive and more sustainable compared to existing extraction methodologies. Insectta's pioneering efforts underscore their commitment to sustainability, offering innovative solutions that contribute to a greener and more economically viable future for the insect industry.

Current Plans and Roadmap

The facility will produce its first batch of chitosan and melanin in Q1 2024, which are to be sent for food-grade certification in Singapore.