Invertapro is based in Voss. Our address is Øvre Langhaugen 23.

The same team is behind Invertapro and Larveriet. Invertapro represents the production of insects, the development of feed and fertiliser products. Larveriet works only with the development of food products.

Our insects live indoors in boxes, stacked in height. Invertapro has developed a way to stabilise expired food and residual raw material from various food producers, and turn it into a safe and nutritious substrate for the larvae. A robot doses the substrate in the insect boxes. The larvae are at their most nutritious just before they go through metamorphosis, where turn from larvae into pupae and then into beetles. That is when we harvest them. About 95% of the harvest becomes product while the remaining 5% is kept to transform into adult beetles. They will continue to lay eggs that become the larvae of the next generation. During harvesting, we go through several steps to separate the larvae from the frass (manure) that will be used for Bløme. Because our insects are not warm-blooded animals, they do not maintain their own body temperature. That means that the most gentle way to kill them is by freezing them. They will then slowly enter what feels like a winter hibernation. After this, both larvae and frass are processed to make finished products.

It varies by season and collaboration, but the most stable source comes from our collaboration with BIR, which collects expired food from shops and kitchens in the local area. We also use leftovers from grain production and mills.

No. Our entire insect population is maintained through breeding and reproduction in our own facility.

We have yellow mealworm larvae. They are also known by their adult name as darkling beetles, which is the common name for members of the beetle family Tenebrionidae. Their latin name is Tenebrio molitor. It is an insect species that occurs naturally in Norwegian nature, and which cannot fly, so it is easy to keep track of.

Insect production is sustainable in several ways. First, insects have a high feed conversion ratio. This means that they are very effective at converting the feed they eat ito body weight. In other words, they grow and turn substrate into new, valuable proteins very quickly and efficiently. Second, they need little space, little water, no sunlight, and can be grown indoors. This means that you can produce a lot of protein without using arable land. Third, they can eat almost anything. In nature, they break down dead plant material. But with a more nutritious substrate they grow faster. This opens the way for using an ocean of resources many of which are under-utilised, or not used at all. In the longer term, when society gets better at utilising or preventing residual raw material, the larvae will be able to utilise niche rest materials, for example left-overs from commercial forestry, or left over from animals (but note that as per today animal products are not allowed as feed to other animals due to the risk of disease). Mealworm larvae can even eat some types of plastics. This is also what sets Invertapro apart from other insect producers. Invertapro are specialists in utilising residual raw material, in that we have developed our own method to stabilize former food and feed it to the larvae. Fourth, we produce fertiliser from caterpillar droppings, so no resources are wasted in our production. Finally, Invertapro works to establish a larger industrial symbiosis with other players, which can make our production and other industries even more integrated and more efficient.

While in princple the vast majority of animals can eat insects, it is considered most suitable for poultry, pigs and salmon. As of today, these are also the only animals to be approved to have insects as part of their diet.

Invertapro is about to launch its first product produced for chickens and hens. More information can be found on our website. Also subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.

Invertapro is developing feed together with, among others, Skretting and Norinsect. This project started early 2023 and will last for three years. The aim of the project is to establish insects feed. Get in touch if you want to test or help develop the product.

As of today insects are used particularly in feed for dogs, cats and exotic pets such as birds, fish, lizards and amphibians. Invertapro has and continues to develop dog food with insects, because there is a large market with the potential for a better alternative when it comes to nutrition and sustainability.

Insects have a good nutritional profile, are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy fatty acids. It can add new flavours and more variety to the dog's diet, and can be especially beneficial for dogs that have problems with food allergies. Insects also contain fibre, which can strengthen intestinal health. Finally, our insects have a far smaller climate footprint than most dog food alternatives.

Our tests definitely indicate that. We tested the inclusion of insects in dog food with around 20 dogs. Dogs clearly showed a preference for the one with insects.

Our dog food is not yet available in stores, but this will change soon. Follow us to receive updates on availability.

Bløme consists of larvae droppings and remains from the exoskeleton that the larvae have grown out of. It is a unique organic, universal fertiliser that is naturally dry and odourless.

Bløme can be used as plant nutrition for practically all plants and vegetables, both indoors and outdoors. It contains nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (together with other micronutrients), which are organically bound and are released over time. Although different plants have different needs, almost all plants will benefit from nutrition in moderate amounts, and you can safely fertilise most of them with a little Bløme.

The nutrients in Bløme are organically bound - which means that they are not immediately available (bio-available) to the plants until the organic bonds or chains they are held in are broken down by the micro-life in the soil. This means that the plants gain access to these nutrients in a constant and even manner. The nutrients are bound in carbon-based chains. When the nutrients are released the carbon can be tied up in the soil. This helps maintain a rich and healthy micro-life, fixes carbon in the soil and prevent soil erosion. Organically bound substances are also less soluble in water, so it reduces the chance of nutrients being washed away by watering or heavy rain.

Mineral fertilizers are industrially produced, often extracted in mines or open pits, before being processed and mixed into various products. These processes can be energy-intensive. Mineral fertilisers have nutrients that are immediately available to the plants, but which also dissolve easily in water. Incorrect application of these types of fertilisers can lead to soil degradation and nutrient pollution (eutrophication and acification) in water bodies due to runoff (which can also be caused by heavy rains and during watering of crops) when the water-soluble nutrients get washed away before plants have time to take them up through their roots. This in turn can result in algal blooms, reduced water oxygen levels and/or increased pH levels, all of which can hurt the ecological balance in water bodies. Organic fertilizers are made from residues from plants and animals. A distinction is often made between animal fertiliser (manure) and organic fertiliser, which is processed fertiliser. In organic fertiliser, the nutrients are often bound in carbon chains, which means that the micro-life in the soil first receives nourishment by breaking down these chains, after which the nutrients become available to the plants. Organic fertilizers have the advantage of being part of a sustainable nutrient cycle. It does not deplete the soil and is less likely to cause problems due to runoff. They can also provide more carbon to the soil. On the other hand, they are less concentrated, take longer to release nutrients, and require more planning to reach exact NPK values in a fertiliser mixture.

In short, a biostimulant is a substance that can improve the plant's growth and properties. It differs from fertiliser, in that it benefits the plant's ability to absorb nutrients, tolerate environmental stress and diseases, and improves general plant health. A fertilizer on the other hand provides nutrients to the plant.

Bløme contains chitin, which has proven effective in strengthening the plant's immune system and make it resistant to fungi and disease. It can also strengthen the plant against abiotic stresses such as extreme weather, and improve nutrient absorption and root growth. Finally, it stimulates the growth of positive microorganisms, which ward off harmful fungi and bacteria.

Invertapro was founded to contribute to a sustainable circular economy and to use and convert available resources in a smart way. In contrast to most other organic fertilisers, mealworm manure is a naturally dry powder, which means that we do not have to use energy to dry the fertiliser. Also, it is a natural by-product of our protein production, meaning no additional resources are used to create the fertiliser. Lastly, it is approved for organic agriculture, and contains the biostimulant chitin, which among other things strenghtens the plant's immune system. Bløme is not only a fertiliser, but contributes to plant health and helps regenerate degraded soil. Bløme can contribute to reaching the EU goals of increasing the share of organic farming, prevent soil erosion and reduce chemical pesticide use.

NPK are letters used for the chemical elements Nitrogen (N), Phosporous (P) and Potassium (K). These base macro-nutrients for plants.

Bløme is a universal fertiliser suitable for almost all plants, both indoors and outdoors. It can be used for both potted plants, ornamental plants, lawns, herbs and kitchen gardens. Particularly nutrient-demanding food plants can benefit from a Bløme.

You can find instructions here.

We keep an updated overview of retail sales points on: https://www.invertapro.com/bløme For ordering bulk quantities contact us on bloeme_plantenaering@invertapro.com

As long as the fertiliser is stored dry, and when it is mixed into the soil, it will be practically odourless. If the fertiliser is stored moist, it will start to break down and that is when ammonia salts can form which has a characteristic smell. This happens when organic matter containing nitrogen breaks down. The product will still work fine as a fertiliser, and you won't notice the smell any longer once it is mixed into the soil.

Contact us on bloeme@invertapro.com.

They taste good, are good for your health and good for the environment. What more reasons do you need? Invertapro was founded to develop a circular economy. We take in food that has passed its expiry date from shops, together with residual products from the food industry. We then turn it into a safe and nutritious feed for the larvae, while the larvae quickly transform this into nutritious protein and fatty acids. This was the main reason why we wanted to start with larvae at Voss, but in addition it would be a shame if it would be a shame if short-traveled insects are not available in Norway.

Mealworm larvae have a mild nutty flavor and a crispy texture.

Larvane blir hausta inn når dei er ca. 8 veker gamle. I løpet av denne tida veks dei frå små, usynlege egg til store, fine larvar.

Our larvae live exactly under circumstances in which they thrive best: close together, with their favorite food and with optimal humidity and temperature. After we harvest the larvae they are killed in the most gentle way, by going into hibernation as they are frozen down.

We receive food that has expired in grocery stores, as well as leftovers from various food manufacturers and the food industry. This then goes through a process to turn it into stable and storable liquid feed. The feed is then dosed out to the larvae in the crates in which they live. This way we get to use resources that would otherwise be wasted - it's circular economy in practice!

Our larvae are grown in Voss. Every time we harvest larvae, we leave approx. 5-10 percent of the larvae to produce the next generation. As mealworm larvae have four life stages, they move from larvae on to become pupae, after which they turn into beetles. The beetles are adults that lay eggs, which then become new larvae. A female beetle lays on average approx. 300 eggs.

Larvae are in a class of their own when it comes to sustainability, especially because of the small environmental footprint they have. This is one of the main reasons why the UN and EU say larvae are food for the future. Compared to what is needed to produce 1 kg of beef, 1 kg of mølmums requires only 8% of the feed, 21% of the the water, 5% of the space and emit only 16% of associated greenhouse gases. In addition, larvae can eat resources that today are often thrown away as waste, and convert them into valuable resources. Finally, our larvae are produced in Norway, and short-traveled food reduces the environmental footprint even more.

Absolutely! Both historically and in the present, all around the world it is common to eat insects. With some exceptions, in the West we have largely forgotten our traditions around eating insects, but that doesn't mean that they never existed. Aristoteles wrote about the best times to harvest cicadas - so they would be as tasty as possible. The Roman aristocracy feasted on larvae. In the Old Testament people were encouraged to eat grasshoppers. In present-day southern Europe the market for snails remains significant. In Latin-America, Africa and Asia insect consumption is widespread with long traditions. It is estimated that around 2 billion people have insects as part of their diet - that is over 1/4 of the world population. So insects are definitely suitable for human consumption, just as they are for a range of other mammals, including primates.

Yes. Before we launched our first products we completed a collaboration project with Mattilsynet to establish routines and parameters designed to ensure that our products are safe. On the EU level EFSA (European Food and Safety Authority) published a study in 2015 a risk analysis and found that they were similar risks involved in fish and meat production. This analysis was followed up with documentation requirements to approve various insect products as novel food. IPIFF, the insect main branch organisation, also followed up on this with its own "Guide on Good Hygiene Practices", which provides good standard procedures as well as an insight into how to reduce risk, based on updated research and current regulations. That said, some people with seafood allergies may experience an allergic reaction to insects, which is further explained elsewhere on this page.

Yes. Eating insects can have a positive effect on health in several ways. Firstly, they are packed with protein! Dried larvae contain 49% protein. Secondly, dried larvae have a high content of several beneficial nutrients (source), such as B12, iron, zinc, fibre, important amino acids, omega-3 and omega- 6 and antioxidants. Thirdly, dried larvae contain a fiber called chitin, which is prebiotic (source) and thus helps maintain a beneficial bacterial flora (source) in the intestines. Just like plant fibre it is not fully digested by the intestine but contributes just as much to maintaining good intestinal health.

In short it is a fiber, just like cellulose that you can find in common food stuffs such as grains. Chitin is found in the outer shell of insects - the exoskeleton - and is also a key component in crustaceans (e.g. shrimp and lobsters), molluscs (e.g. oysters) and fungi (e.g. mushrooms). It is a common substance and has a number of advantages when it comes to food. Just like plant fiber (i.e. cellulose), chitin is not fully digested in the body (source). Nevertheless, dietary fiber performs important functions in the body, and is not something that should be avoided (source). Chitin is also prebiotic, and helps maintain a good bacterial flora in the intestines (source). Chitin also has a number of advantages in fertiliser, which is explained under the Bløme section in this FAQ.

Yes. Those who are allergic to shellfish or mites could experience allergic reactions when eating insects. This is because people with such allergies react to chitin, which insects also contain. For this reason we mark all our products notifying that people with shellfish or mite allergies may have reactions.

We develop food products so that those who want to eat larvae have the chance to do so. As a Norway-based producer, we follow labelling regulations as stipulated by Mattilsynet (source). Therefore, any product containing insects will have that clearly labelled on its packaging. Also keep in mind that Mjølmums is a premium product. It is no cheaper than other food ingredients, so there is no incentive in trying to sneak it into the ingredient list. It is also not an additive, so the larvae do not have an E number. Species names are given in the list of ingredients in both Norwegian and Latin. As of today, you cannot get hold of insect products in Norwegian grocery chains.

It will be up to each individual to decide, and it depends a lot on the reasons why someone has decided to be a vegetarian. Many people choose to be vegetarians because of the environmental impact of the consumption of meaet, not necessarily because they don't want to eat animals. In that case nothing would stand in the way of eating insects. Short-traveled, Norwegian-produced larvae, reared on resources that would otherwise have been thrown away is one of the most sustainable foods available.

No, but larvae as human food is what arouses the most curiosity, and when consumed directly by people insects bring the greatest climate and environmental benefit. But larvae are also very attractive as feed for pets and some production animals such as poultry, pigs and salmon. Together, Invertapro and Larveriet work to develop products for humans, pets and production animals.