Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Potential and Challenges to Promote Circular Economy

Abstract

Over the last few years, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has received a lot of attention due to its potential contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially by reconciling economic growth with the protection of the environment through its grow-make-use-restore approach. The use of insects in circular production systems has been a good example of this concept as insects can transform a wide range of organic waste and by-products into nutritious feedstuffs, which then go back into the production cycle. This paper explores the potential of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) in circular production systems by reviewing their use and applicability in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, etc. Despite the high versatility of this insect and its potential as a substitute source of nutrients and other valuable components, there are still many legislative and behavioural challenges that hinder its adoption and acceptance.

Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe

“…Undoubtedly, this sector is gaining momentum, and its potential relies not only on food and feed, but also on the context of a circular economy. In particular, insects have the potential to convert a wide range of organic byproducts into food and feedstuffs, which then go back into the production cycle [51]. However, due to the current lack of evidence related to the safety of the final products, EU regulations still prohibit the use of waste products as a substrate for growing edible insects.…”

Insect as feed ingredients for pigs

“…First, standard procedures in the insect production system for rearing, processing, and storage should be established to supply the insects as feed ingredients for pigs by mass production. The standard procedure for the mass production of insects should control the critical hazard point of food safety for consumers and livestock animals [ 5 , 47 ]. In addition to this, developing a processing method to make a novel insect product would give a superior value to the insect [ 28 ].…”

Dietary utilization of mealworm frass in rabbit feeding regimes and its effect on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality

“…Studies have reported that insects could be utilized as a valuable nutrient instead of expensive feedstuff ingredients which could lead to the evolution of the agricultural economy ( 4 – 7 ). Mealworm is one of the most attractive insect species used as an alternative and sustainable feed source ( 8 ). Frass is a term referring to insect larvae excreta, which includes larval excrement, heterogeneous, exoskeleton sheds, and residual feed ingredients along with abundant nutrients, beneficial microbes, and chitin ( 4 , 8 – 10 ).…”

“…Mealworm is one of the most attractive insect species used as an alternative and sustainable feed source ( 8 ). Frass is a term referring to insect larvae excreta, which includes larval excrement, heterogeneous, exoskeleton sheds, and residual feed ingredients along with abundant nutrients, beneficial microbes, and chitin ( 4 , 8 – 10 ). Frass is a good source of palmitic, myristic, and stearic acids which are defined as saturated fatty acids characterized by Benzertiha et al ( 11 ) and Costa et al ( 12 ).…”