Volare to build Finland’s first industrial-scale insect factory

Insect factory to produce 5,000 tons of protein and lipids a year for use in aquafeeds and pet foods

Deep tech company Volare, which produces insect-based protein, plans to build its first industrial-scale insect factory 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.

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

Volare has applied its insect-based protein to dog food and bird food, but the products are also suitable for instance feed applications for fish and other animals.

“It is true that our eating habits are becoming more and more sustainable slowly – but this won’t happen overnight,” said Parviainen. “However, we can change the dietary habits of fish and pets much faster and make a direct impact on the emissions.”

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

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