“Groundbreaking”: Goterra deploys insect-powered waste tech at leading Brisbane hospitality precinct

Brisbane premier cultural and entertainment precinct Howard Smith Wharves and Australian climate tech start-up Goterra have unveiled Queensland’s first insect-powered waste management solution in a bid to revolutionise food waste management at the precinct and create a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

The Howard Smith Wharves precinct, which was founded by Adam Flaskas and is located beneath the Story Bridge in Brisbane, boasts 13 restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces, and a hotel.

Its CEO Luke Fraser told SmartCompany the core sustainability focus is to ensure that waste generated across its venues is separated, segregated and recycled.

“We currently have 17 different waste management streams across Howard Smith Wharves, diverting 96% of all waste from landfill,” he says. 

L-R: Luke Fraser and Justin Frank. Source: Supplied

“Goterra provides us with another avenue for harnessing our food waste and transforming it into a practical and sustainable output. 

“Sustainability is in our DNA and our goal of becoming the most sustainable precinct in the world motivates me and the team to take action every single day.”

Fraser says Howard Smith Wharves is incredibly proud to be home to Goterra’s first site in Queensland. 

“Their innovative technology combined with the power of insects is nothing short of remarkable, and we want to partner with organisations with shared values and visions of making the world a better place,” he says. 

“We were compelled by their founder and CEO Olympia Yarger’s story of going from farmer to founder to make a positive impact on our environment and climate.”

Creating a “greener hospitality industry”

With an aim to mitigate food waste and combat climate change, Canberra-based Goterra harnesses maggot-based robotic systems to process organic waste, which diverts waste from landfills and slashes carbon emissions to achieve a 97% reduction in CO2e.

Now operating across six locations spanning four states, the climate tech startup has raised $18 million in external capital and is bringing its green technology to companies, including retail giant Woolworths. 

Goterra CEO and founder Olympia Yarger says the startup’s partnership with Howard Smith Wharves is rooted in a shared vision for a sustainable future. 

“This precinct is already a vibrant community hub, and their commitment to becoming the most sustainable precinct on the planet aligns perfectly with Goterra’s mission of reducing food waste through innovative solutions,” she says.  

“The insect-powered waste management solution is groundbreaking because it leverages the natural process of bioconversion, where black soldier fly larvae consume organic waste, reducing the mass and volume significantly. 

Source: Supplied

“These larvae are highly efficient decomposers, capable of reducing food waste by up to 95%. 

“The process not only diverts waste from landfills, where it would emit harmful greenhouse gases, but also produces a high-quality fertilizer, closing the loop in a true circular economy model. 

“The automated technology we use ensures that this process is scalable, efficient, and requires minimal human intervention.”

Yarger says Goterra’s technology can transform the hospitality industry by providing a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional waste management practices. 

“The hospitality sector, characterised by high volumes of food waste, has a substantial environmental footprint,” she says. 

“By adopting our technology, the industry can significantly reduce this impact. The larvae convert organic waste into a valuable byproduct, reducing landfill dependency and the associated emissions. 

“Furthermore, the natural fertilizer produced can support local agriculture, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting organic growth practices. 

“This not only contributes to a greener hospitality industry but also influences a wider ecological benefit, promoting sustainable practices across the food production and consumption chain.”

Expanding Goterra’s footprint

For Goterra, which was founded in 2016, the launch at Howard Smith Wharves represents a significant milestone in its expansion journey – signaling its readiness to upscale and meet the demands of larger commercial operations while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Yarger says the initiative showcases Goterra’s capacity to manage significant amounts of waste and its vision for a broader reach.

“Yes, we intend to roll out similar solutions in the future,” she says. 

“We are actively exploring new partnerships and opportunities to expand our footprint, with the goal of making insect technology an industry standard for waste management. 

“Goterra is poised for growth, and we are continuously innovating to ensure our solutions are at the forefront of waste management technology.”