Amino acids and insect biomass markets as showcases for dynamics in the bioeconomy

• The animal feed market is the main sales market for free amino acids and insect biomass. Legislation, sustainability considerations related to feed components and animal husbandry, and other feed market dynamics considerably impact the markets for amino acids and insect biomass. • Production of free bio-based amino acids via fermentation is an established approach. Advances in animal feeding trigger the production and market entry of new free amino acids (‘new products’). • Relocation of the production of main bio-based amino acids from the EU to Asia took place due to higher production costs and stringent environmental standards in the EU. • Insect rearing and processing of insect biomass are new economic activities for the EU. Insect meal is rich in amino acids and can be used as an alternative protein source in animal feed. • Production of insect biomass is still low in the EU, but companies are starting to upscale.