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Introduction

Let’s take a moment to think about our last meal, shall we? How was it? Did you savour every bite? Or did most of it end up in the trash? It’s time to shift our focus from just putting food on the table to what happens afterwards.

Here’s a shocking statistic for you, on average, Malaysians generate about 1.17kg of food waste per person each day (The Star, 2024). And guess what? It’s the largest share of domestic waste in the country! 

Most of the time, our food waste ends up in landfills, which pollute the environment and destroy habitats.  But it doesn’t stop there! Methane, which is far more deadly than carbon dioxide (CO2), is emitted during the decomposition of food waste. Methane traps more heat in the atmosphere per molecule, making it 80 times more harmful than CO2 for 20 years after release (United Nations Environment Programme, 2022). Food waste accounts for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (Move For Hunger, n.d.). One of the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to halve global food waste and reduce food losses in production and supply by 2030. 

Curious to know what could be the solution to this global food waste issue? We at FLY were thrilled to find a local Malaysian startup determined to instate a circular economy. Meet the multi-award-winning startup – Entomal Biotech!

 

An indigenous innovation

On January 13th 2024, we met Ms Yanni Xinyan, the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Entomal Biotech at Taylor’s University. Although the other two members of the founding trio, Mr Vic Pui and Mr Thomas Pui were unable to join us due to other commitments, they respectively serve as the Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Their collective expertise in breeding and rearing technologies for black soldier flies guarantees the provision of high-quality and scalable production methods.

Ms Yanni reminisced that the spark that started her sustainability journey was when she was the Executive Board Member of AIESEC UK. Her time at the youth-led not-for-profit organisation instilled a strong passion for sustainable development. Ms Yanni quickly realised that she wanted a career not only focused on climbing the ladder but through which she could contribute to society and make a positive impact. 

By combining their expertise in engineering, economics, and marketing, the founders Vic, Thomas and Yanni, established Entomal Biotech! The company harnesses the immense probabilities of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) in tackling food waste whilst contributing to the circular economy.

Entomal Biotech’s list of achievements and awards trails long and far. Their very first win came at the Selangor Accelerator Programme 2022, where they were able to cinch the title of Grand Winner. Since then, they have continuously shone in various competitions. Entomal Biotech was named as a Global Top 50 Deep Tech Startup in Slingshot 2023 and listed as one of the 24 To Watch in 2024 by The Edge Malaysia (2023). They were also the only Malaysian startup among other grand winners at the Petronas Future Tech 3.0, the grant prize winner of the Khazanah Impact Innovation Challenge, and even the grand winner of Tiger’s Lair Pitching Challenge held by the Malaysian Business Angel Network. Miss Yanni said taking part in programmes helped them grow professionally as leaders of the company and gather resources crucial for the growth of the startup. 

Moreover, they also managed to secure a whopping RM1.75 million in equity crowdfunding through MyStartr. This significant fundraising achievement through crowdfunding demonstrates Entomal’s innovative solutions, and further indicates a promising future as they continue to develop and commercialise their offerings.

 

Black Soldier Flies

Flies (house flies) are commonly recognised to be a dirty species, but this is not the case with Black Soldier Flies (BSF). BSF, also known as  Hermetia illucens, are naturally capable of breaking down any type of organic waste and digesting bacteria in food, with an efficiency that is capable of reducing food waste volume by 90% in 1 day and preventing the release of carbon emission by 96% compared to landfills. It has been certified as a friendly insect i.e. it’s not a destructive pest and does not spread disease as compared to household flies. As such, it clearly promotes circularity in our food system.

 

Life Cycle & Process

The life cycle of the BSF at Entomal begins with eggs hatching into neonate larvae within 3-4 days. These larvae are then nourished with a combination of agricultural and food waste during the feeding phase, promoting their rapid growth into larger larvae over 7-14 days through bioconversion. 

Following this, a commercialisation process ensues, involving the separation of larvae from the frass. While some larvae are utilised in downstream products like animal feed and pharmaceuticals, others are kept for mating purposes, contributing to the cultivation of subsequent generations. 

Pre-pupae BSF are then transferred to a drier area for 7 to 10 days before maturing into adult flies. These adult flies, within 5-8 days, engage in mating and egg-laying activities, perpetuating the cycle. This holistic approach not only maximises resource utilisation but also ensures the sustainability of the BSF population for continued bioconversion and product development.

“Biosecurity of our operations is secured with multi-layer protection. The flies are contained within their designated area and are provided with an abundance of food to grow. In the case where any of these flies escape, they cause no harm to humans and will struggle to populate without sufficient food nearby.” said Ms Yanni. 

 

Market Acceptance

The bioconversion process of food waste will end up with 2 products – high protein insects and their excretion known as frass. The mature larvae are widely known to be a great animal feed for poultry, swine, and aquaculture industries. The frass, on the other hand, after going through the digestive tract of the larvae, consists of a high level of organic matter, which makes them a great organic fertiliser in the agriculture industry. Scaling up the operations at Entomal will allow Malaysia to turn our food waste into resources and achieve a circular economy. It kills 3 birds with 1 stone, Ms Yanni claimed, treating food waste sustainably, reducing carbon emissions significantly, and enhancing food security for all. 

Ms Yanni also said that in Japan, insect protein is starting to get attention as a future protein source for human consumption. Insect products can be found on shop racks as a high protein snack, unlike here in Malaysia where admittedly the stigma towards insects for human consumption is still a barrier. 

Despite the challenges, it doesn’t stop the company from researching and curating the potential of these flies. The innovative partnership between Entomal and Taylor’s University proves just that. Dr Chong Li Choo, Director of Taylor’s Impact Lab Food Security & Nutrition, mentioned that students are taught to separate waste into distinct categories at the university’s Culinary Institute. 

With Entomal Biotech’s bioconversion process embedded as part of the student’s culinary studies, sustainability is put to its best practice. Several insect-derived snacks are developed, including crispy bite-sized chips infused with authentic nasi lemak flavour and aromatic anchovies. Students at Taylor’s also created an innovative twist of the Chinese meat jerky by the name “Bug-Gwa” instead of “Bak-Gua”, utilising BSF as a protein alternative. 

 

Extending their wings

Through Entomal’s innovation, the implementation of the bioconversion process is accomplished through two systems, the Decentralised Entomal Mobile Bio-Conversion System (EMBC) and the Centralised Biowaste Conversion Plant.

One of the Entomal Mobile Bio-Conversion System is located at Taylor’s University itself, where FLY visited. The unit is introduced with segregated food waste on a scheduled basis. The waste then goes through a pre-treatment process before being fed to the larvae. In just 7 days, these unwanted leftovers get converted into valuable resources. 

Futuristic-looking, this mobile system is convenient for communities, hotels, schools and corporate companies and easily placed near the waste generation premises. 

The EMBC is currently in operation at Shah Alam Recycling Centre, Sunway Lagoon, Taylor’s University, with upcoming units in Le Meridien PJ Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, and YWCA Kuala Lumpur. They are actively seeking collaboration with companies that have a strong focus on circular economy and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. In return, the data collected from the EMBC unit will also contribute significantly to the clients’ carbon reporting and open up access to the nation’s green incentives. 

Ms Yanni added that from her last visit to Taiwan, she witnessed firsthand how a decade worth of effort has developed the nation into practising waste segregation practices like a complete norm. This is a true showcase that we can also achieve the same levels of sustainable practice in Malaysia, and all it takes is to start doing it now. 

On top of that, Entomal’s Centralised Biowaste Conversion Plant is a model designed for larger waste generators such as shopping malls, F&B factories, city councils, as well as plantations. This unique solution will be a great alternative to landfills, giving businesses a more sustainable option for waste treatment. Similar to EMBC, clients also enjoy a monthly carbon report to help align with ESG compliance and reporting. In the meantime, Entomal is working towards obtaining the necessary certifications to list the solution as a carbon credit offering, to further finance for the scale-up of its operations.  


By further leveraging the technical expertise, Entomal’s consultancy services accounted for around 85% to 90% of the business’s profits (Khaw, 2023). “The key feature that makes us the leading BSF force lies within our capability to upscale and become a solution and system provider,” Ms Yanni elaborated. “We step in as technology consultants to assist other players in establishing automated plants.”

Extending their meaningful impact across Asia, Entomal has partnered with companies from Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and Taiwan. The startup works closely with the South Korean Nutri Industry to treat 20 tonnes of food waste every day with a fully automated system. The company is also working with FGV to turn palm oil waste into sustainable animal feed in order to serve the food security issues in Malaysia. 

Staying at the forefront of sustainability, Entomal Biotech has joined forces with local higher education institutions to expand its product outreach and development. This includes  Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)’s ongoing farm testing on shrimp aquafeed, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)’s studies on chicken feed, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM)’s research into insect-derived skin healing creams and, lastly, with International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on the exploration of shariah compliance of insect products. 

 

What are some experiences that Entomal can share on your role in the BSF technology landscape?

Miss Yanni replied that BSF is not the newest option in line for food waste treatment. The challenge in this field has always been about technology that allows for scalability. Their continuous effort of innovation alongside a proven track record internationally lays a solid foundation for the growth of Entomal’s solution.  In the meantime, educating the public on sustainable waste practices in hopes of pushing for policy changes in Malaysia will play a big role in the solution’s adoption nationwide.  

 

Wrap up

Ending the session of this wonderful startup story, we were reminded to be the change we want to see in this world. The story of this small, local startup going on to raise millions, win international competitions and collaborate with institutions worldwide is nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

Ms Yanni’s journey from a passionate student to the founder of a successful business only highlights that each and every single one of us has the potential to be the change we want to see in this world! 

The first step towards sustainable waste management starts in fact, from not wasting our food. WWF reported that 6%-8% of greenhouse gases can be reduced if we clean our plates in the first place. Imagine if 34 million of us do so. 

Now coming back to that meal – did you finish it?

 

References

Musthafa, A. (2023, December 25). Listicle: 24 in 2024
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/694860

Khaw, C. (2023, August 28). This M’sian biz already uses insects to treat waste & make pet food, next up is human food. Vulcan Post. https://vulcanpost.com/837693/entomal-malaysia-bsf-food-waste-treatment/

Move For Hunger. (n.d.). The environmental impact of food waste. Move for Hunger. https://moveforhunger.org/the-environmental-impact-of-food-waste#:~:text=Food%20waste%20that%20ends%20up,8%20percent%20of%20global%20emissions.

The Star. (2024, January 2). 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/01/02/39000-tonnes-of-solid-waste-daily

United Nations Environment Programme. (2022, October 18). What’s the deal with methane? UNEP. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/video/whats-deal-methane#:~:text=Due%20to%20its%20structure%2C%20methane,warming%20to%201.5%C2%B0C.

 


 

Researcher(s) / Journalist(s): Aisyah Sharif, Anamdev Singh

Reviewer(s): Jia Xin Yeoh

Editor(s): Maryam Nazir Chaudhary

Designer(s): Wong Yan Qi

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