BATM Advanced Communications Limited (LON:BVC) said an animal feedstock producer has received a protein recovery instrument from the company's Celitron subsidiary.
The unnamed Belgian customer is focused on commercialising industrial-scale insect-based technologies to produce feedstock. It intends to use BATM's machinery to produce insect protein powder that can be used as a substitute for fishmeal and oils used in aquaculture feed.
Celitron's new instrument provides a continuous and automated process for the recovery of solid protein and oils from insects such as worms and flies that feed on waste.
The entry into a new market segment with the first delivery of this instrument marks a further milestone achieved by Celitron in 2020, BATM said.
The group expects to receive orders from this customer for further instruments in due course. The contract is in addition to other contracts for the group's other products based on its integrated steriliser and shredder (ISS) technology.
With demand for protein on the rise and the crucial need to ensure protein safety along with an increased interest in the ISS, BATM is confident of adding to this total in 2021.
“After several years of development at our facility in Hungary, we have now established a best-in-class solution based on our superior ISS technology. The production of protein and oil from animal waste, and, in particular, from the rearing of insects, has enormous potential as a sustainable source of protein for fishmeal, livestock feed and potentially even human nutrition,” said Zvi Marom, the chief executive officer of BATM in a statement.
"All of BATM's units are going from strength to strength not only in their financial performance but also in introducing innovative technology that we believe will be of benefit to society for many years to come,” he added.