Maltento is a startup founded in 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa, with an ambitious mission: to transform agricultural waste into a sustainable protein source through the cultivation of black soldier flies. In the context of the global livestock industry grappling with rising input costs, climate change, and emission reduction demands, Maltento offers a clear and practical solution for circular agriculture and environmentally friendly animal feed production.
From the outset, Maltento has focused on building a closed-loop value chain centered around the black soldier fly – an insect capable of rapidly decomposing organic waste and converting it into protein-rich biomass. The startup’s R&D journey goes beyond farming and biomass processing, extending to the development of advanced biotechnology products. Its flagship product, PALATE+, is a livestock feed additive extracted from black soldier fly larvae. Experimental studies conducted in Lesotho have shown that PALATE+ enhances immunity and reduces mortality rates in rainbow trout – a commonly farmed aquatic species in Africa and Asia. In addition, Maltento supplies dried larvae and insect protein powder to markets in the EU, the UK, and Vietnam, targeting the animal feed and pet food sectors.
From a technological perspective, Maltento’s solution directly addresses a critical challenge in the industry: how to ensure a stable protein supply for livestock while reducing the environmental burden caused by traditional inputs like fishmeal and soy. Compared to conventional options, insect-based protein boasts higher conversion efficiency, conserves water, requires less arable land, and significantly cuts CO₂ emissions. With thousands of tons of organic waste processed and over 1,300 tons of greenhouse gases reduced, Maltento’s model has demonstrated real-world effectiveness—far beyond theoretical claims.
A notable milestone in its expansion journey was Maltento’s participation in the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025. The event served as a gateway for the startup to connect with a global network of partners in sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. As a result, Maltento has extended its presence in Asia, especially in Vietnam – a market with high demand for aquaculture feed and a strong shift toward green agriculture. At the summit, the startup also engaged with investors and international development organizations interested in emission reduction and livestock system transformation solutions.
From a startup ecosystem perspective, Maltento exemplifies the importance of starting with a specific environmental problem and using technology as a tool to address that issue across the entire value chain. The deep integration of life sciences, biotechnology, and a circular business model allows the startup to create not only economic value but also environmental and social impact. Eschewing flashy or superficial tech, Maltento has chosen a steadfast path—leveraging nature’s existing potential to deliver tangible solutions to a global agricultural sector hungry for sustainable protein alternatives.
One valuable lesson for other founders lies in Maltento’s ability to build clear, evidence-based validation. From quantifiable data showing a 15% increase in feed conversion rates in aquaculture to improvements in skin and coat health in pets, Maltento offers verifiable metrics—an essential factor in gaining the trust of B2B customers and investors.
At a time when many early-stage biotech startups are still experimenting and searching for the right market fit, Maltento stands out as a compelling example of how a simple, waste-focused model can scale globally—provided it is powered by the right combination of technology, market strategy, and long-term commitment.
