Finnish company Volare, which produces insect-based protein, plans to build its first industrial-scale facility in Järvenpää, Finland. When opened, the facility will produce about 5,000 tons of environmentally friendly protein and lipids annually. Volare’s circular protein is used in fish feed and pet foods, among others.

The new facility aims to support this mission with an annual 5,000 ton production capacity of insect-based protein and lipids. “We produce high-quality protein and lipids from the side streams of food production, and this has an extremely positive impact on the environment. With the new facility, we will be able to respond to the growing demand of climate-friendly protein in Europe,” said Volare’s CEO, Tuure Parviainen.

Volare has applied its insect-based protein to dog food and bird food and is also suitable for feed applications for fish and other animals. “It is true that our eating habits are slowly becoming more and more sustainable – but this won’t happen overnight. However, we can change the dietary habits of fish and pets much faster and make a direct impact on the emissions,” continues Parviainen.

Volare’s industrial-scale facility will be the first of its kind in Finland. As the facility uses Volare’s own unique technology, the protein production process will consume almost 30% less energy compared to similar solutions.