The solution combines two core component technologies.

In the bio-process, black soldier fly larvae consume all the edible organic waste in a MSW stream, before the nutrients are recovered and converted into new products.

All the non-digestible materials, such as plastics, paper and wood, left behind after this stage move onto the mechanical process which converts the waste into Refuse Derived Reductant (RDR) – a low-cost alternative to the use of high-grade coal or metallurgical coke.

“The black soldier fly is bio-engineered to do one thing perfectly – process organic waste. What might take earthworms between four and six weeks to convert into compost, happens in front of your eyes in a matter of hours with these flies.”

An engineer by trade, Ramon co-founded the company with his brother, Ricky.

“Ricky’s an aquaculturalist who’s been growing insects for over 15 years, and he came to me one day and said, ‘there’s a real opportunity in this emerging industry’,” said Ramon.

“We had a look at the business model and realised that a lot of companies had promoted the sustainability aspect of this process but failed to address the commercial aspects.

“To be really global and accessible to all countries you need a solution that is affordable. So we developed a business model that’s both sustainable and economically viable.”

ARC Ento Tech has partnered with Macquarie University and Western Sydney University and is in discussion with three other universities in the research and development of its technology, which is being trialled around Australia.

“Evergreen Garden Centre, Seasol, Yates and Murphy Farming have started using our fertiliser and are amazed at the results,” said Ramon.

As part of its global expansion plan, ARC Ento Tech is raising a $10 million Series A round and seeking engagement from investors and strategic financial, market and distribution partners. 

The Series A round will fund the construction and operation of six micro waste management plants and full scale ‘Food organics, Garden organics’ (FOGO) plants for existing commercial clients to enable the production and supply of proteins and organic fertilisers. 

“Everyone we’ve engaged with so far can see that this is the future, we just need the support to scale up and meet growing demands,” said Ramon.

“We have a company onboard in America helping to establish the technology there, but we’re looking at getting more involved. Everyone needs a solution yesterday, not tomorrow, so we’re trying to grow as fast as we can to cater for that.

“This is our first time using growAG and we’ve found the platform to be very engaging and informative. The success stories are proof of the impact of this platform, and we look forward to using it more into the future.”