Chiang Mai University has partnered with CPF to promote a sustainable economy through the innovation of oil extraction from black soldier flies for use in cosmetic formulation, which is a part of the plan in the economic domain under the scheme ‘Integrated Plan for Potential Development in Science, Technology, Research and Innovation’. Clinical Prof. Niwes Nantachit, President of CMU, and Dr. Pairat Srichana, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) ‘Research Innovation from Black Soldier Flies for BCG Economy’ for commercialization in biowaste or circular feed. This is in line with the BCG Economy Model, Bio-Circular-Green Economy, that Thailand, CMU, and CPF have adopted to promote sustainability, as outlined by the SDGs.
Black soldier flies have great potential and are attracting global interests. CMU has recognized the opportunity and studied ways to enhance the value from these flies through the collaboration of researchers from different fields, such as high-efficiency farming, animal food, cosmetics, production development of oil extraction grade, and full line cosmeceutical product development. Assoc. Prof. Yuthana Phimolsiripol, Ph.D., Director of Food Innovation and Packaging Centre, revealed that “CMU and CPF share the same goal in developing the BCG industry which is about applying science, technology and innovation to sustainably increase production capacity. It will also enhance the production efficiency for farmers and the community, hence the collaboration. CPF will provide financial support and join the research to develop a model system for black soldier fly smart farming that will be practical at the community scale so that farmers can adopt the system and build a career, using agricultural leftovers. This is going to be the first of its kind in Thailand and it is going to serve as the learning model for students, farmers and the community.”
Dr. Pairat explains, “the company is interested in alternative protein sources, including plant-based protein, cell-based protein, and insect-based protein. The first kind of food developed for insects was for crickets back in 2013. As for black soldier flies, CP Group has been researching several applications for optimal benefits since 2016. This type of insect may be the key to a sustainable biowaste economy for Thailand as they can be reused in the form of protein or fat. However, there must be a suitable farming system both in terms of investment and insect control within a limited space. Also, the production must be traceable to its origin and must yield good results in terms of quantity, nutritional value, and application. We are also interested in adding value, finding beneficial key ingredients, and testing for side effects, for sustainable industrial development.”