Edible insects widely used for food, cosmetics, fertilizers

• Published date: 08 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Bugs are not the first thing to come to mind when people think about what to eat. Rather, the thought of putting them in our mouth is almost always likely to induce a gag reflex.

Such longstanding perceptions are taking a new eco-friendly turn underpinned by the sustainable use of this high-quality source of protein and fat in the broader context of resource recycling.

How then do bugs help advance the green drive? The answer lies in feeding them.

Throwing out expired confectioneries and beverages is costly for convenience store operators and damaging to the environment.

Time, workers and logistics are all resources needed to dispose of them.

But what if bugs could do the job? They need to eat something to survive anyway.

This was the thinking of Korea Edible Insect Laboratory (KEIL) CEO Kim Young-wook, who runs a smart bug farm in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province.

The idea led to a related pilot program that is gaining traction with large conglomerates from within the country and around the world.

"The bug business needs a new approach," Kim said during a press briefing with a group of reporters, Monday.

KEIL collaborates with CU, a major local convenience store operator, to collect and dispose of expired snacks to make feed for bugs raised at the factory. Included are bags of chips, instant noodles and gummy bears.

"CU saves money on waste treatment and we can find a stable source for production materials. It's a win-win for both of us, especially the convenience store for promoting the brand as a green sustainable entity," he said.

The strategy is appreciated by many firms showing great interest in advancing environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) goals. He had a meeting with POSCO officials in the department of technology development and investment recently. KEIL...