
Tell us a little about how Flybox® came to be
I’ve been interested in waste management since my university days, and having spent my entire life in Africa, I always had a dream of making something take flight there—excuse the pun! I teamed up with Andrea Jagodic, FlyBox®’s strategy advisor, who already had experience in the insect farming industry. Together, we brainstormed an idea that could work both in the UK and globally.
We wanted to focus on sustainability in a way that didn’t dismantle existing systems. These systems, while flawed, have benefited us and shaped the world as we know it today. For instance, in many countries like the UK, having affordable and accessible nourishing food is second nature—but that’s not the reality for every nation.
From an environmental perspective, we’ve reached a point where we need to rethink and improve the current system. Population growth alone is putting immense pressure on food production, and we’re also dealing with significant levels of waste.
Flybox® is our answer to these challenges, and we hope it can make a meaningful impact.
So, tell us more who it could work for and why it’s important?
FlyBox® is an Insect Waste Management (IWM) company. Our mission is to make sustainable organic waste management accessible and even profitable for everyone. We combine innovative insect bioconversion technology with expert guidance to help businesses achieve this vision.
Here’s why this matters: the world farms roughly 80 billion animals each year, and by 2050, that demand will double. To meet this need, we must find better protein sources for animal feed—ones that don’t require more land or damage the environment.
Our global food system is incredibly intricate, with supply chains spanning the planet. For example, much of the protein consumed in the UK—indirectly through meat—is derived from soy, a major contributor to deforestation in the Amazon. Even if most farms operate sustainably, it only takes 20% of operations cutting corners to escalate global warming.
Then there’s the issue of food waste. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that one-third of all food produced—around 1.3 billion tons—is wasted annually, contributing 6%-8% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Flybox® provides a simple yet effective solution: helping food and waste businesses transform organic waste into valuable proteins and fertilisers through insect farming. Our modular systems integrate seamlessly into existing waste infrastructure, enabling businesses to convert what would normally be discarded into something useful—and profitable.
What’s particularly exciting about our technology is its potential to address some of the biggest challenges in feed production. By offering a sustainable alternative to soy-based feed, we can help reduce its environmental footprint. And by embracing circular economy principles, we’re helping businesses “close the loop” on organic waste, creating benefits that extend well beyond just waste management.
Any hitches / exciting moments?
It’s been a journey to get to where we are today, but we’ve gained incredible momentum as we deepen our understanding of the waste management industry and the role insects can play in solving its biggest challenges.
While our main focus is developing cutting-edge technology, running a business has given us invaluable insights into how our products perform in real-world conditions.
Last year, we launched a commercial demonstrator site in Chesham, UK. Like any new venture, there were initial challenges, but we’ve made steady progress, and the facility is shaping up well. It’s now a hub for our R&D efforts, where our team works on improving Black Soldier Fly (BSF) breeding and rearing techniques, boosting efficiency, experimenting with new methods to increase yields, and testing BSF frass as a sustainable fertiliser for crops like lettuce and cabbage—with impressive results.
In Kenya, we’ve made significant strides by operating a BSF protein factory and egg/seedling business. This has allowed us to understand how our technology and business model can be adapted to different climates and markets.
Each site presents unique challenges, from feedstock availability to local regulations. What we’ve learned is that these obstacles are often best addressed by refining processes rather than relying solely on technology upgrades.
One key takeaway is that mastering processes takes time—typically 6 to 12 months. Success doesn’t come from simply installing technology and walking away. If results fall short, it’s usually the process—not the technology—that needs attention. Ultimately, technology and processes must work hand-in-hand for real success.
Both our UK and Kenyan operations have taught us valuable lessons and brought us closer to creating a scalable, efficient insect waste management model. We’re excited to keep refining and evolving as we move forward.
Where FlyBox is hoping to go next and by when
After four years of developing our product suite and observing the industry’s growth, we’re positioning Flybox® as the go-to partner for waste businesses. Our goal is to make insect waste management easier, more efficient, and far less risky, while providing the tools, expertise, and networks businesses need to thrive.
Looking ahead, we’re focusing on scaling up production, improving waste processing capabilities, and forming new partnerships to expand our solutions globally. Some exciting projects we’re involved in include FeedFlow in the UK, which uses BSF larvae to address challenges in poultry production, and SmartSoil in South Africa, which focuses on water-efficient agriculture. These initiatives highlight the versatility of our technology and its potential for global impact.
On an industry level, we’re committed to advancing insects as a sustainable option for feed and food. Joining the board of the UK Edible Insects Association (UKEIA) allows us to champion this cause on a larger scale.
We’re also proud to partner with organisations like Innovate UK, HSBC, and the EU Horizons 2020 Programme, which share our long-term vision. These organisations are planning for the next 100 years—not just the next business cycle. That kind of forward thinking is exactly what’s needed to tackle the environmental challenges we face.
Later this year, we’ll open our Chesham facility for public farm tours, offering people an inside look at how we’re transforming waste management with insects. Transparency and collaboration are key to our mission, and we’re eager to share our work with the world.
Another key focus for us is empowering our community by sharing our knowledge and experience. Our website offers a wealth of resources, including step-by-step guides on setting up an insect farm, detailed insights into the types of waste Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae can process, and much more. By making this information accessible, we aim to inspire and equip others to take part in creating a more sustainable and environmentally resilient future.
Why they’ve joined UKEIA
As I mentioned earlier, we believe in sharing knowledge—there’s nothing to gain from working in isolation. We’re dedicated to circular economy principles and aim to create impact across agriculture, waste management, and environmental resilience in the UK.
UKEIA provides fantastic opportunities, from events like Nest 1.0 to connections facilitated by MD Dr. Nick Rousseau and other members. The network is growing every week, attracting not just UK-based organizations but global ones. It’s a chance to build worldwide links at a time when food security is at the forefront of everyone’s agenda.
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