Insect processing for protein is a sustainable alternative for animal and reptile feed, fishmeal, valuable by-products for fertilizer, material for medical and cosmetic purposes, and even for human consumption. Insect cultivation is the process of raising insects as livestock, or mini livestock, for these purposes. 

A growing world population requires food and traditional protein sources pressures our natural resources. Insects, however, have a high nutritional value, a low ecological footprint, and generate fewer greenhouse gases making them a viable alternative solution to food shortages. Insects are also harvested for the commodities they produce, such as silk, honey, or lac (used in nail polishes and wood varnishes). Grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and mealworms are commonly cultivated insects.

As with other types of farming, facilities must clean their processing equipment regularly to prevent bacterial contamination. Automated cleaning systems inhibit product contamination while increasing productivity and lowering labor costs. They also provide a more sustainable cleaning solution by offering savings on water and energy resources and increasing equipment lifespan.