Circular Economy in the food industry - Case study of developing a sustainable production of Tenebrio molitor for food and feed

This thesis focuses itself on a case study application of circular economy theories and practices in the modern food industry, from a business perspective. The case refers to the novel business initiative set by the Italian Cricket Farm with Ecodiginsect, a solution for decentralized Tenebrio molitor farming in its acting regions. The case study analysis follows a prior analysis of the concepts and theories behind circular economies and circular business modeling, which have set up the grounds for the current understanding of circular systems and how businesses can design value-adding solutions with positive sustainability impact. The former conceptual analysis paves the way for the description of the circular food economy, where the insect farming industry is introduced as a potential sector for circular bioeconomy flows and its critical market, social and legal drivers are assessed. Supported by the aforementioned studies, Ecodiginsect is then analyzed as a business model innovation opportunity within Europe’s insect farming sector. It examines the base company’s strategy, resources and capabilities in tandem with the project’s description, financial and environmental assessments, and study of internal and external influence factors. The case is then concluded with the formal description as a circular business model with respect to its value-generating mechanisms, and following a modern perspective of circular business model frameworks.