Full Circle Biotechnology Launches 7,000-Ton Insect Protein Factory in Thailand

By Agroempresario.com

Full Circle Biotechnology, a Singapore-based startup with operations in Thailand, is building a 7,000-ton per year insect protein facility in Kanchanaburi, northwest of Bangkok. Founder Felix Collins told AgFunderNews that groundbreaking will begin next week, with production expected to start at the end of November.

Collins highlighted that the facility’s entire capacity is already reserved by existing customers, primarily farmers across Thailand, working in aquaculture in the east, central, and southern regions. “The volume skews towards shrimp, snakehead, and tilapia, but we also serve niche species such as swamp eel and butter catfish,” he added.

The facility will use a modular setup, allowing Full Circle to scale production quickly while phasing in vertical integration from 2026. Some production steps, such as pellet coating, will initially be outsourced, while other elements, including microbial and larvae inputs, will be supplied by partner contractors.

Funding and Ownership

While the company did not disclose precise funding or valuation details, Collins confirmed that investors include Rypples, family offices, and high net worth individuals. The financing combines equity and non-dilutive funding, enabling the company to own and operate the Kanchanaburi facility directly, rather than relying on external partners.

“The modular scalability of our technology is attractive for a distributed model,” said Collins, “but the global protein crisis demands immediate action. Our growth over the past year provided access to rare capital in the region, and the local demand made it clear that operating the facility ourselves was the best choice.”

Microbial and Insect Protein Production

Full Circle Biotechnology produces a unique protein meal combining black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and microbial protein via solid-state fermentation, using microbes that feed on organic waste. According to Collins, this combination can replace up to 75% of traditional fishmeal in aquaculture diets, the highest commercial substitution rate currently achievable.

“Our insect and microbial biomass run in parallel,” he explained. “The final product includes insect protein, microbial protein, and fermentation byproducts such as postbiotics.” Unlike many BSFL processors, Full Circle does not defat its biomass. “The product naturally contains 4-5% fat dry matter at harvest. We only grind, sterilize, and dry at low temperatures, preserving protein quality,” Collins added.

Feedstock comes from predictable byproducts of the agriculture and food/beverage industry, including cassava pulp from tapioca flour production. A proprietary algorithm selects feedstock based on the target protein grade while maintaining consistent input streams. The multi-species ecosystems in the fermentation process reduce variability and enhance reliability.

Protein Grades and Application

The facility produces a wide range of protein grades, from standard soy-level protein to super-prime fishmeal grade, achieving over 70% protein dry matter with optimal lysine and threonine ratios for aquaculture species. The golden-brown fine protein meal is incorporated into pellets at about a 15% inclusion rate, effectively replacing 75% of fishmeal for most species. These pellets are then distributed directly to farmers.

Semi-Automated Approach

While full automation is often suggested for industrial-scale insect farming, Collins noted that semi-automated facilities have proven most effective for Full Circle. “Avoiding full automation reduces staff needs, keeps capex lower, and allows for quality assurance touchpoints, which is critical for early-stage companies,” he explained.

Industry Impact

Full Circle Biotechnology’s new facility addresses the growing protein demand in aquaculture while advancing sustainable insect and microbial protein production. By leveraging low-cost, modular, and scalable systems, the company ensures affordability and efficiency, supporting a sustainable future for animal feed and alternative protein sources.

The launch positions Full Circle as a leader in the Southeast Asian market, demonstrating that insect-based proteins can meet large-scale commercial demand while remaining environmentally sustainable and economically viable.