Introduction

As global concerns about food waste, sustainability, and animal nutrition intensify, innovative companies are bridging the gap between environmental conservation and agricultural productivity. In the United States, several pioneering firms are transforming organic waste—ranging from food scraps to byproducts of food processing—into valuable animal feed products. This closed-loop approach not only diverts tons of waste from landfills but also contributes to the growing demand for affordable, sustainable, and nutrient-rich animal feeds. This article explores three standout case studies: EnviroFlight, California Safe Soil, and ReGrained, each demonstrating unique models of organic waste upcycling into animal feed.

Case Study 1: EnviroFlight – Insect-Based Feed from Food Waste

Based in Kentucky, EnviroFlight is a leading innovator in the production of high-protein animal feed derived from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL). The company utilizes pre-consumer organic waste such as spent grains, food processing residuals, and agricultural byproducts to feed the larvae. These insects, in turn, are harvested, processed, and transformed into a sustainable protein ingredient suitable for aquaculture, poultry, and pet feed.

EnviroFlight operates within a tightly regulated environment to ensure that the input waste is safe, clean, and consistent. The company’s vertically integrated model allows for tight control over the waste supply chain, larval growth conditions, and final feed quality. Their insect meal is rich in protein and amino acids, offering a viable alternative to fishmeal and soybean meal—both of which have environmental drawbacks. By upcycling waste and reducing reliance on land- and water-intensive feed ingredients, EnviroFlight represents a powerful example of circular economy principles in action.

Case Study 2: California Safe Soil – Supermarket Waste to Livestock Nutrition

California Safe Soil (CSS), based in Sacramento, offers a unique solution to the massive issue of supermarket food waste. The company collects unsold produce, meats, and other perishables from major retail chains and processes them using a proprietary enzymatic digestion technology. Although their primary product is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer for agriculture, CSS has also researched and piloted the transformation of this waste stream into animal feed.

The process begins with the sorting and grinding of supermarket waste, which is then subjected to a rapid enzymatic digestion. This method preserves nutrients while ensuring pathogen reduction. The resulting product has potential for use as a safe and digestible supplement in livestock feed. While CSS faces regulatory hurdles concerning the inclusion of post-consumer waste in animal feed, their research partnerships with academic institutions and feed regulators are paving the way for broader application.

CSS’s approach is noteworthy not just for its environmental benefits—reducing methane emissions from landfilled food waste—but also for its potential scalability. With thousands of supermarkets discarding tons of food daily, the model has vast room for expansion.

Case Study 3: ReGrained – From Brewery Waste to Feed and Food Ingredients

ReGrained, headquartered in San Francisco, takes a different but equally impactful approach to organic waste recycling. The company specializes in upcycling spent grain—a byproduct of beer brewing—into food-grade ingredients. While its primary market is the human food sector, the company’s technology and product lines have promising implications for animal feed development as well.

Spent grain is rich in fiber and protein but often goes to waste. ReGrained’s patented “SuperGrain+” process dries and mills the grain into a shelf-stable ingredient. While this is currently marketed for human consumption (e.g., snack bars and flour blends), the same spent grain can also be used as a nutritious, cost-effective feed for cattle, poultry, and swine. Small- to medium-scale farmers, especially those located near urban breweries, benefit from this low-cost, locally available feed resource.

By partnering with craft breweries and local food processors, ReGrained promotes a hyper-local circular economy. Their success illustrates how waste from one industry can become a valuable input for another, minimizing environmental impact while boosting agricultural resilience.

Conclusion

The transformation of organic waste into animal feed is no longer just a concept—it is a growing industry backed by science, technology, and environmental necessity. Companies like EnviroFlight, California Safe Soil, and ReGrained are proving that sustainable waste management and livestock nutrition can go hand in hand. Their models vary—from insect-based protein production to supermarket waste conversion and brewery byproduct upcycling—but all share a common goal: to turn waste into a resource. As regulations evolve and awareness grows, such innovative approaches could play a central role in shaping the future of agriculture, waste management, and sustainability in the United States and beyond.