The department of Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries (Sandec) from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) together with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the Swiss company Pacovis AG started a project to apply the BSF treatment system with focus on Switzerland and Sweden. So far, research has been done concerning the larvae and the system as well as small pilot plants have been installed. However, only little information regarding the legal and economic feasibility exist. Furthermore, a functioning business model has to be developed.

For assessing the legal feasibility two expert interviews in form of qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted. The economic feasibility of the larvae meal was also assessed by means of qualitative in-depth interviews with three experts that represented different market players and interest groups. The economic feasibility of the treatment system in form of a franchise business was discussed theoretically due to the lack of market data and the unfavorable legal situation of larvae as an animal feedstuff. Finally, the business model was developed based on the Canvas business model.

At this time, feeding the larvae with organic waste as well as the feeding of farmed animals with the larvae or products thereof face some barriers. These barriers make it only possible to use the larvae as pet food or for the manufacturing of technical products such as pharmaceuticals for example. Intentions for changing this legal situations are in progress but first results are not expected in the very near future. The market success of the system and its products is clearly linked to the legal situation. Furthermore, the animal feedstuff market does not provide big margins and rivalry among existing competitors is high. Nevertheless, experts are giving the BSF treatment system some potential, mainly in the poultry and fish farming industry. Franchising has only limited potential as a channel to expand the business and before its application further research regarding profitability and sustainability of the treatment system is necessary. The developed business model provides a foundation for further progress in the planning and construction of a first pilot plant. One big open question is the cultural and social acceptance of insects in the food production process.