Plastic pollution is a growing problem in Serbia — and around the world. But scientists at the Institute for Biological Research Sinisa Stankovic in Belgrade may have found a solution: mealworms that digest plastic. The worms break down materials like Styrofoam without releasing harmful byproducts.

The potential goes far beyond waste disposal. The larvae themselves can be turned into high-protein animal feed, while their droppings serve as organic fertilizer. Private companies like Belinda Animals are already applying this zero-waste model in practice and plan to expand the approach through a network of farms.

And that’s not all — mealworms are already being used as human food in parts of the EU. Experts expect similar approvals in Serbiasoon.