The Role of Black Soldier Fly in Food Waste Management and Their Environmental Impacts: A Systematic Review Publisher



Eskandari K ; Kargar Z ; Sanei ME ; Hashamfirooz M ; Momeniha F ; Akbarzadeh K
Source: Sustainable Futures Published:2026

Abstract

This systematic review explores global practices in managing food waste (FW) through the utilization of the black soldier fly (BSF), scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, and highlights relevant technologies. An extensive search was carried out across three prominent electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) to identify studies published until January 2024. Initially, 1315 records were found. After eliminating duplicates and screening based on established criteria, 95 original, peer-reviewed articles in English were selected for the final review. The studies included shed light on the life cycle of the BSF (spanning egg, larvae, prepupae, pupae, and adult stages), key abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity, moisture levels, pH, and light source, along with various types of FW utilized (including kitchen scraps, restaurant leftovers, fruits, and vegetables). This review underscores the versatile uses of BSF, highlighting its role in converting FW into valuable biomass for animal feed (for livestock, poultry, and fish), producing compost, and its potential to generate biogas and biodiesel. The ability of larvae to consume as much as 200 mg of food waste each day, alongside their talent for thriving on decomposing organic material due to their distinctive physiological traits, highlights their remarkable efficiency. Evaluating the environmental effects reveals that managing food waste with BSF can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional composting techniques. This method holds potential benefits in terms of global warming impact, land use, and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. However, the review also points out potential adverse effects tied to BSF farming and the type of substrate used, including issues related to climate change, acidification, and eutrophication. This study emphasizes the promise of the BSF as an efficient and eco-friendly strategy for managing food waste, consequently helping to alleviate its harmful environmental effects and fostering a circular economy. © 2026