The demand for the transport of insects and worms, particularly for agricultural and fishing purposes, has grown remarkably. This trend is driven by the use of insects and worms as sustainable feed alternatives and bait, which makes them crucial components in modern farming and fishing industries. As global focus shifts towards sustainability, the market for insects and worms is expanding rapidly.
Insect protein for animal feed
The global market for insect feed is projected to experience significant growth. The insect feed market size is estimated to reach USD 1.23 billion in 2024 and USD 2.13 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.70% during the forecast period. Europe stands out as a significant player in this market, with companies like Alltech Coppens, Protix and Ynsect that sell insect-based proteins for aquaculture, poultry and other livestock feeds.
Benefits of insect feed
The increasing demand for farmed fish has led to a rise in the prices of fishmeal and fish oil, making insect feed a viable and cost-effective alternative. Over the past 20 years, extensive research has demonstrated the effectiveness of insect meals as alternative sources for fishmeal. Insects provide a high-energy, protein-rich feed option that enhances animal health by boosting animals’ immune system and reducing the use of antibiotics. Moreover, insect feed can be easily mixed with other feed components such as ground grains and soy to create a nutrient-dense mixture pressed into pellets for convenient feeding.
Worms as fishing bait
In Europe, the Netherlands is a key exporter of live sea worms used as bait for fishing. These worms are transported in chilled conditions to keep them healthy and alive. They are typically transported in EPS boxes combined with gel packs for effective insulation or styrofoam containers with ice packs to maintain optimal temperatures and prevent decay.
Market growth projections
The insect feed market is projected to grow significantly over the next few years, driven by increasing demand for sustainable animal protein sources. Factors such as climate change, environmental concerns and the need for alternative protein sources are fueling this growth. Despite the potential, there are also challenges, such as high start-up costs and production scale limitations. However, ongoing research and development to create innovative solutions, along with strategic partnerships, are expected to enhance production capabilities and market reach and overcome the challenges.
Coolpack’s role in the industry
The solutions offered by Coolpack in this specific industry include gel packs, which can be combined with EPS boxes for optimal insulation. The gel packs are available in various shapes and sizes, and Coolpack’s on-site production facility allows for the development of custom solutions tailored to specific applications. Coolpack’s cooling solutions are of excellent quality and ensure that the transported insects and worms stay healthy and alive. We offer a large number of packaging solutions in various shapes and sizes to meet the diverse needs of our customers. From applications ranging from agricultural products to fishing bait: Coolpack provides reliable and efficient cooling solutions for safe transport.
Robust market growth
The market for transporting insects and worms is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing use of insects in animal feed and the steady demand for live bait in the fishing industry. As sustainability becomes a cornerstone of global practices, the demand for these alternative protein sources is expected to grow even further. The high-quality cooling solutions of Coolpack can play an important role in supporting this market. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of innovative and sustainable practices will be key to meeting the growing demands and overcoming the challenges ahead.