The Vilnius-based company UAB Energesman has officially introduced an innovative system for rearing fly larvae and processing organic waste collected in orange bags. The Vilnius region is among the first in the world to use fly larvae to break down household food waste, converting it into advanced products for industry and agriculture, while the larvae themselves can also be used as fishing bait.
Operations begin, development continues
“We have successfully completed trials and can now officially present our innovative solution. Vilnius residents are among the global leaders in sustainable food waste management. This is because it is a completely new approach – until now, fly larvae technology has only been applied to agricultural and food industry waste, rather than household food waste,” said Vaidotas Peciukaitis, Technical Director of Energesman, during the launch event.
According to him, the official launch of fly larvae production is just the beginning. The technology and processes will be further refined to adapt to Lithuania’s climate and the specific composition of food waste that residents dispose of in orange bags.
“This is a unique and complex system, which has already delivered positive results during trials. It will not only increase waste recycling rates but also contribute to the circular economy – transforming waste into valuable products that benefit both the environment and position Vilnius among the world’s most innovative cities,” said Dalius Krinickas, Head of the Energy Department at Vilnius City Municipality.
Energesman, the operator of Vilnius’ household waste sorting facility, has invested EUR 1 million in fly larvae rearing equipment, which was specifically designed in the Netherlands to meet the needs of Vilnius.
Additionally, the Vilnius Regional Waste Management Centre (VAATC) has invested EUR 1.1 million in an automated system for unpacking orange bags and preparing food waste for larvae processing.
“We are pleased to take bold steps in modernising our facility and implementing new waste management solutions. Efficient food waste processing is a key issue across Europe. Separating food waste ensures that it does not contaminate other materials, making recycling easier. At the same time, finding the best way to utilise food waste can strengthen the circular economy and national competitiveness,” said Marius Banaitis, an environmental specialist at VAATC.
Numerous applications for processed waste
It is estimated that residents of the Vilnius region generate approximately 40,000 tonnes of kitchen waste annually. However, only a small proportion is currently sorted into orange bags – around 2,700 tonnes were collected last year.
Household food waste contains 30–40% protein and fat, making it a valuable nutritional resource.
“By using food waste to rear fly larvae, we preserve valuable proteins, reducing the need to import soy or other protein sources. This is an innovative and sustainable way to utilise food waste,” explained Walter Jansen, CEO of Amusca BV, a partner in the development of this technology.
One key application is protein and oil production for industrial use. Proteins derived from larvae are used in the manufacturing of paints, solvents, adhesives, furniture, and lighting. Meanwhile, the oil can be processed into biofuels, and the fatty acids from the larvae are suitable for biodiesel production. Additionally, the waste generated from larvae farming can be used as organic fertiliser in agriculture.
“Products derived from larvae are in high demand worldwide, and we already have preliminary agreements in place for supplying proteins, oils, and fertilisers. We also expect Lithuanian fishermen to soon use local larvae as bait—we are in discussions about supplying them for fishing lure production. The only thing left is to scale up production to meet demand,” said Algirdas Blazgys, Director of Energesman.
The organic material extracted from food waste can also be converted into biomethane. Additionally, larvae-based products are being explored for scientific applications.
“Regulations currently permit the use of fly larvae-derived products only for industrial applications. They will not be used for human consumption,” confirmed the company’s CEO.
Houseflies – the best insect for the job
“The equipment in Vilnius represents one of the first projects worldwide where fly larvae are bred using food waste collected from households. Until now, this technology was only used in laboratories in the Netherlands,” explained a scientist involved in the project.
According to him, the common housefly (Musca domestica) is the most effective species for food waste processing. It achieves the desired results quickly, is naturally present across most of the world, and is native to Lithuania.
“A single container will house around six million flies, with each female laying approximately 30 eggs per day. This results in around 180 million eggs, which hatch into larvae. The process is self-sustaining, and we aim to produce billions of larvae annually,” explained V. Peciukaitis.
Flies live for an average of 21 days, meaning their population must be continuously replenished with newly hatched larvae.
It is estimated that 90 kg of larvae can be produced from every tonne of household food waste processed.
Energesman operates the Vilnius Mechanical and Biological Treatment Plant, which sorts mixed municipal and food waste from eight municipalities in the Vilnius region: Vilnius City, Vilnius District, Trakai, Elektrenai, Ukmerge, Svencionys, Salcininkai, and Sirvintos. The plant processes around 220,000 tonnes of waste per year.
The facility is part of VAATC, which is responsible for the waste management system across the Vilnius region. This includes infrastructure development, waste collection, and processing.
