Loopworm Secures Prestigious EU TRACES Certification for Silkworm Pupae-Derived Products, Opens Door to European Market

This milestone positions Loopworm, which operates a GMP+, ISO 22000, and HACCP-certified facility with a 6,000 metric tonnes per annum capacity, as a key player in the EU market for sustainable protein sources. The certification process, facilitated by the expert guidance of DGFT officials, AQCS Bangalore, and CAPEXIL Chennai, was completed efficiently within just a few months.

European Expansion: A Strategic Step Forward

Co-founder & CEO, Mr. Ankit Alok Bagaria, expressed his excitement: “Receiving the EU TRACES certification is a significant milestone validating our commitment to quality and compliance to international standards. Europe is an exceptional market for sustainable, high-quality ingredients, and we are eager to meet the growing demand for sustainable nutrition in pet and animal feed.”

Since the commercial launch of Loopworm’s LoopFactory in April 2024, the company has already been supplying multiple truckloads of its protein and fat products monthly, primarily to the Asian aquaculture market. These products have demonstrated significant benefits in shrimp feed, particularly in improving feed palatability and growth rates.

A Game-Changer in Sustainable Nutrition

Loopworm’s silkworm pupae are leaf-fed, reared in ambient, climate-friendly conditions, making them a sustainable alternative to conventional feed ingredients. The resulting products are nutrient-dense, featuring:

• Proteins rich in essential amino acids like Methionine, Lysine, Threonine, and Arginine, along with vital trace minerals like Selenium.

• Fats containing 35% Omega-3, 6% Omega-6, and 25% Omega-9 fatty acids, plus natural Vitamin E, phospholipids, and sterols.

The best-selling products include a Silkworm Pupae Meal Concentrate with a minimum of 65% protein content and a nutrient-rich Omega 3,6,9 aroma oil. Whole dried silkworms also serve as a natural supplement for hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, wild birds, reptiles, and ornamental fish.

Solving Industry Challenges with Cost, Volume, and Quality

A key differentiator for Loopworm is its ability to overcome the challenges that have historically hindered the insect protein industry—namely, cost efficiency, scalability, and consistent product quality. “We have cracked the formula to deliver on all three fronts,” said Ankit.

Future Innovations on the Horizon

Beyond its current offerings, Loopworm is working on expanding its portfolio to include insect-derived palatants, flavor enhancers, and functional products, which are already pilot-scale optimized. One promising area of exploration is the application of silkworm-derived biomolecules in anti-diabetic and anti-obesity formulations for pets.

Furthermore, Loopworm’s R&D team is developing a novel recombinant protein platform to produce high-value animal therapeutics, biologicals, and diagnostics at a fraction of the cost traditionally required. This groundbreaking technology aims to revolutionize the production of complex biomolecules.

Looking Ahead

Mr. Ankit concluded, “We are thrilled to enter the European market and are already in discussions with multiple pet food companies eager to integrate our products into their formulations. While we’re here to learn from our customers, we’re equally committed to educating them about the unique benefits of our sustainable products.”

About Loopworm:

Loopworm Private Limited is an insect based nutrition startup, which develops products and solutions from industrially farmed insects for the well-being and nutrition of animals, plants, and humans. By utilizing insects, often overlooked and considered pests, Loopworm harnesses their potential as a sustainable bioresource. The company’s core values revolve around sustainability, innovation, and efficiency. They believes in maximizing the potential of insects to create high-quality, sustainable products. Their ideology is rooted in the belief that insects are an underutilized yet versatile resource capable of providing high protein, lipids, and other bioactive materials.