Eco soldiers

Nathaniel Phua Tackles Food Waste With Black Soldier Flies

Ento Industries’ founder supports local farms with insect-based agriculture products.

By Reta Lee
Nathaniel Phua with the Range Rover SWB 3.0L Phev Autobiography (Credit: Zaphs Zhang. )
Nathaniel Phua with the Range Rover SWB 3.0L Phev Autobiography.Photo: Zaphs Zhang.

Although recycling is often the first thing associated with waste management, it’s just one step in the process. For Ento Industries’ CEO Nathaniel Phua, it also involves protein cycling by black soldier flies for better sustainable waste management.

Food waste collected from hospitals, restaurants, and other businesses is first treated and fermented. Afterwards, black soldier flies convert it into nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser. “Waste is converted into insect-based agriculture products used by local farms to grow more food, thereby increasing food security. Additionally, our upcycled products are also useful in the garden, landscaping, and pet food industries,” Phua shares.

Phua worked with his father-in-law at Tiong Lam Supplies before joining Ento Industries. It provided him with formative experience and valuable insights.

Since starting his company in 2020, Phua has been trying different methods to find the best combination of waste materials for this process. It has involved working with hard organic waste materials, such as chicken manure and fermented meat, and using unusual techniques, such as classical music, to speed fly breeding.

Black soldier fly larvae are like tiny waste disposal units. In their larval stage, they can devour nearly any organic matter, consuming a whopping four times their weight every day. These insects leave behind nutrient-rich droppings called “frass” that can be used for fertiliser. Larvae are harvested and sold to fish farms as a source of protein. Overall, this is a win-win situation for the entire food supply chain.

Ento Industries manages about 80 tonnes a month and expects that number to rise soon. “Nine people work in various departments at our 9,000-sq-ft headquarters in Tuas. We have also established several biosecurity measures and protocols to ensure organic matter is treated prior to being bioconverted with black soldier fly larvae. Additionally, we work closely with our food waste clients to ensure they do not place prohibited materials in the bins we provide them,” Phua explains.

Black soldier flies can be a messy business, but Phua isn’t alone in his journey. His family and friends are his biggest cheerleaders and offer unwavering support. “It was certainly a challenge trying to explain the venture to them, but I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive circle of family and friends. Throughout my journey, they have been encouraging and nurturing.”

Phua wouldn’t change a thing about the work he and his team do. Witnessing his team’s relentless pursuit of innovation and unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry is a source of constant inspiration.

“It’s no secret that challenges build character, and I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of them. As a result of working with these tiny living creatures, I have become more patient and attentive to the little things in life.”

Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Alicia Chong
Camera assistant: Yvonne Isabelle Ling
Photographer: Zaphs Zhang
Photographer’s assistant: Jaron Tay
Hair: Michael Chiew
Makeup: Sarah Tan
Location: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

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