The South African Co-founders Using Black Soldier Flies to Repurpose Food Waste
Co-founders Maya Zaken and Jason Fine are on a mission to reduce food waste and create sustainable solutions. Their startup, Philafeed, is revolutionizing the way we think about food waste by using black soldier flies to transform it into nutrient-rich fertilizer.
How Does Philafeed’s Process Work?
Philafeed's process is simple yet effective. The company collects food waste from farms, restaurants and households and feeds it to the black soldier flies. “For those who don't know,” says Maya, “black soldier flies are an insect whose larvae eat food waste and convert it into a valuable source of protein and fertilizer. They are nature's recyclers that can help us face many of the challenges that our planet faces and can aid in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, promote food security and sustainable farming practices, and increase carbon sinks such as frass i.e. insect manure.”
Making Progress for Exponential Change
One-third of all food produced is either lost or wasted resulting in methane emissions, and 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions comes from agriculture. But Philafeed is creating a new alternative.
“We are part of an interconnected web of life,” Maya explains. “The story of humans is the story of food. Food systems contribute to over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions but there is no phasing out food. If we ought to regenerate our planet, we have to transform our food system, in a way that draws on our circular nature.”
By diverting food waste from landfills, the company is redefining waste as a resource. The outcome is a closed-loop system where waste is converted into insect protein and fertilizer, which is then used to feed animals, grow crops and produce food.
Since opening their facility in September 2022, the team has collected 650kg of waste a month in Knysna, South Africa and are now exploring ways to scale capacities.
Where Philafeed is Going Next
In the past few months, the Philafeed team has gained some notable traction! They participated in the Ford Fund Fellowship with the Watson Institute, coming second in the program and winning $5,000. They are also 1 of 10 enterprises to win the Indalopreneur South African Green and Inclusive Enterprise Awards and Support Programme with Nedbank, receiving R90000 (approx. $5,000 USD) in funding.
Maya & Jason are also participating in the global Agrifood Techpreneur Programme where they will deepend their knowledge about food security, nutrition, food value chains and more.
“Looking ahead, we believe that the waste industry will play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. By adopting circular waste management practices and sustainable agriculture solutions, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and promote biodiversity. At Philafeed, we're excited to be at the forefront of this movement and are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and local communities, the circular way.”
How You Can Help
To impact more communities and service larger customers at greater scale, Philafeed is seeking investments to support their mission. Additionally, the team is seeking a mentor who is an expert in the food waste and black solider fly industry to help guide their growth and development.
As part of their commitment to spreading awareness and knowledge about food waste, food security, and circular food waste management, Philafeed is open to partnering with schools, community organizations, and government agencies to promote these important issues. The company believes that education is key to inspiring more people to take action and make a positive impact on the environment and local communities.
To start a conversation, connect with Maya on LinkedIn.