The US company Tyson is betting on insect-based protein to replace beef, pork, and chicken.

According to the meat processor, it has invested in Protix, a company that manufactures insect ingredients in the Netherlands. In addition to taking a minority stake in the company, Tyson is also partnering with it to build a US factory. Animal waste will be used to feed black soldier flies, which will then be turned into food for pets, poultry, and fish. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed by Tyson.

The flies are not going into human food at this time. “Today, we’re focusing more on ingredient applications of insect protein than consumer applications,” said John R. Tyson, Tyson Foods’ chief financial officer.

While insect protein has long been hailed as a sustainable food source, it has yet to gain traction in the mainstream. Recent years, however, have seen an increase in interest in insects as animal food ingredients.

In a Rabobank report from 2021, it is noted that “by 2030, the market for insect protein will reach half a million metric tons, up from approximately 10,000 metric tons today.” Mars launched a line of cat food made from insects, called LoveBug, that year.

Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson does not make pet food, but it does sell its animal byproducts for use in pet food and aquaculture, which feeds fish. Inedible proteins, animal fats, hides, and other byproducts can end up in landfills if not used or reduced. When Tyson processes cattle, it can send the stomach contents to Protix facilities, where they’re fed to insects. A larger market for this type of waste can reduce waste and provide a larger revenue stream for the company.