Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market Size, Growth Report, 2033

Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market Overview

The Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market size was valued at USD 6256.84million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 8495.27million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) market has grown substantially over the past decade due to increasing demand from the animal feed, fertilizer, and biofuel sectors. In 2024, global MBM production volume exceeded 4.8 million metric tons, with over 62% of it utilized in the animal feed industry. North America and Europe collectively produced more than 2.3 million metric tons, while Asia-Pacific followed with 1.5 million metric tons. In the same year, over 1.8 million metric tons were used in poultry feed, and 1.2 million metric tons were consumed in pig and cattle feed. The fertilizer segment used approximately 600,000 metric tons, primarily due to MBM’s high phosphorus and nitrogen content. Countries with high meat consumption and rendering facilities, such as the United States, Brazil, and China, dominate the supply chain. MBM’s utility in biodiesel and renewable energy applications has further driven demand, with over 450,000 metric tons used for fuel in 2024 alone. Technological advancements in rendering and sterilization have improved MBM quality, leading to a rise in international trade volumes, which surpassed 900,000 metric tons in 2024.

Key Findings

Driver: Increased demand for high-protein animal feed and sustainable agricultural inputs.

Country/Region: The United States leads in both MBM production and consumption volumes.

Segment: Animal feed segment accounts for the largest volume share of MBM utilization globally.

Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market Trends

The Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) market is witnessing evolving trends across end-use sectors such as livestock feed, agriculture, and energy production. In 2024, the animal feed industry consumed approximately 3.2 million metric tons of MBM, representing nearly 67% of total market volume. Poultry farms, particularly in Brazil, the U.S., and India, collectively accounted for over 1.5 million metric tons. The use of MBM in pet food has also seen a marginal increase, with more than 280,000 metric tons consumed in 2024 due to rising pet adoption rates in North America and Europe. In agriculture, MBM's application as an organic fertilizer is gaining traction. With global demand for phosphorus-based soil nutrients rising, the fertilizer sector used over 600,000 metric tons of MBM in 2024. More than 180,000 hectares of farmland across South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa utilized MBM-enriched compost. The average nitrogen content in MBM used for fertilizer applications stood at 7.5%, making it a viable eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

In the energy sector, the use of MBM as a biomass feedstock for industrial burners has expanded, especially in Europe. The EU alone used over 250,000 metric tons in 2024 for renewable heating solutions. Emerging markets like Thailand and South Africa are increasing MBM imports for similar purposes, contributing to a 13% year-over-year rise in demand from this segment. Another notable trend is regulatory alignment for MBM export and import. By 2024, more than 45 countries had standardized safety protocols for MBM handling and processing, enabling cross-border movement of over 900,000 metric tons. Digitalization of rendering operations has enabled better traceability and compliance monitoring, with over 70% of large rendering facilities adopting automated systems. Sustainability initiatives are also shaping the market. In 2024, over 22 MBM manufacturers achieved carbon neutrality certifications for their processing plants. These certified plants collectively processed over 1.4 million metric tons, contributing to greener supply chains. The emphasis on circular economy practices has further boosted MBM adoption as an upcycled protein and energy source.

Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growing demand for high-protein animal nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

Rising global meat consumption and the expansion of intensive livestock farming are key drivers of MBM demand. In 2024, global livestock feed production exceeded 1.4 billion metric tons, with MBM included in more than 2.5% of all compound feed formulations. MBM offers an average protein content of 50–55%, making it a cost-effective alternative to soymeal and fishmeal. Additionally, its use in organic farming practices, especially in Europe and Australia, has increased by 14% year-over-year. Government-supported programs in countries like India and Brazil have incentivized the use of MBM in livestock nutrition through subsidies and standardization initiatives. This shift supports both food security and circular economy principles by reducing waste and enhancing protein recovery from by-products.

RESTRAINT

Regulatory restrictions and disease control concerns.

A major restraint facing the MBM market is the stringent regulatory framework associated with disease transmission risks, particularly bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Despite improved sterilization protocols, over 30 countries maintain strict limitations or bans on the use of MBM in ruminant feed. In 2024, the European Union limited the use of MBM from ruminants to non-ruminant species and fuel production, accounting for only 8% of regional MBM usage. Import restrictions in high-risk regions such as Japan and South Korea further hinder global MBM trade. Compliance costs have also escalated, with testing and certification expenses averaging $110 per metric ton.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in alternative fuel and renewable energy applications.

The increasing global focus on renewable energy presents significant growth opportunities for MBM as a biomass fuel. In 2024, more than 430 biomass facilities globally used MBM as a partial substitute for coal, consuming over 470,000 metric tons. The high calorific value of MBM, ranging from 12 to 16 MJ/kg, positions it as a viable energy source. Countries like Germany and Denmark are scaling up investment in co-fired power plants, where MBM replaces up to 30% of fossil fuel input. In Southeast Asia, governmental support for alternative energy led to a 19% increase in MBM imports for energy purposes. Furthermore, bio-refineries in the U.S. and Netherlands have begun incorporating MBM into advanced biofuel production lines.

CHALLENGE

High operational costs and supply chain inefficiencies.

One of the critical challenges in the MBM market is the high cost associated with rendering operations, logistics, and compliance. In 2024, rendering costs ranged from $70 to $150 per metric ton depending on the scale and automation of facilities. Transportation accounted for up to 22% of total costs, particularly in regions with fragmented supply chains such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Moreover, maintaining cold chain logistics and biosecurity during transport has become more complex due to increasing scrutiny. Smaller processors often lack infrastructure for consistent sterilization and quality control, leading to 11% wastage rates. Supply inconsistencies are further aggravated by seasonal variations in meat processing and export delays.

Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market Segmentation

The Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) market is segmented by type and application. The main types include Cow and Sheep Ingredients and Non-Cow and Sheep Ingredients. The key applications are Animal Feed, Fuel, Fertilizer, Pet Food, and Others.

By Type

Cow and Sheep Ingredients: In 2024, this segment contributed approximately 1.9 million metric tons globally. These products are primarily derived from ruminant processing and face regulatory limitations in many countries. Despite restrictions, the United States and Brazil combined to produce over 1.1 million metric tons from cow and sheep sources. The high calcium and phosphorus content makes them suitable for non-ruminant feed and fertilizers. In Europe, 28% of cow and sheep MBM was diverted for industrial fuel applications.
Non-Cow and Sheep Ingredients: This category includes by-products from pigs, poultry, and other non-ruminant animals. In 2024, non-cow and sheep ingredients accounted for over 2.9 million metric tons. The absence of stringent disease regulations in many countries allows this segment broader usage. Over 65% was utilized in animal feed, while 20% was processed into fertilizer and pet food. Asia-Pacific nations such as China and Thailand contributed 1.3 million metric tons to this segment, largely from poultry rendering.

By Application

Animal Feed: In 2024, the animal feed industry remained the dominant consumer of MBM, accounting for over 3.2 million metric tons globally. MBM was included in poultry, swine, and aquaculture feed, with poultry feed alone consuming more than 1.8 million metric tons. North America and Asia-Pacific led this application, with MBM offering a protein content of 50–55%, making it a cost-efficient alternative to plant-based proteins. It is particularly valued for its high lysine, calcium, and phosphorus content.
Fuel: The use of MBM as a biomass fuel increased, with 470,000 metric tons consumed globally in 2024. Europe led this segment, with over 250,000 metric tons utilized in co-firing applications, especially in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The high calorific value (12–16 MJ/kg) of MBM enables its use as a partial substitute for coal and fossil fuels. Japan and South Korea also expanded their MBM fuel programs in industrial boilers and power plants.
Fertilizer: MBM fertilizer applications accounted for 600,000 metric tons in 2024. Rich in nitrogen (average 7.5%) and phosphorus (average 5–8%), MBM is widely used in organic and regenerative farming. India, Brazil, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa are key consumers. Pelletized MBM formulations were applied to more than 180,000 hectares of farmland globally, enhancing soil fertility and reducing dependency on synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Pet Food: Pet food manufacturers used 280,000 metric tons of MBM in 2024. North America and Europe accounted for nearly 80% of this volume, driven by demand for high-protein, affordable ingredients. MBM is primarily incorporated into dry kibble for dogs and cats. Product innovations included MBM blends with digestibility enhancers and micronutrient additives for enhanced palatability and nutrition.
Others: Other applications, including research, bio-composite materials, and specialty animal diets, accounted for approximately 130,000 metric tons in 2024. MBM is being evaluated as a component in biodegradable plastics and protein adhesives. Research labs in Europe and Asia consumed around 22,000 metric tons for non-feed experimental applications. Additionally, niche aquafeed formulations and wildlife supplements accounted for the rest.

Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market Regional Outlook

Regional performance in the MBM market reflects variations in meat processing capabilities, livestock population, and biosecurity regulations. In 2024, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific together accounted for over 85% of global MBM production and consumption.

North America

North America led the global MBM market with more than 1.6 million metric tons produced in 2024. The United States accounted for 1.3 million metric tons, supported by its expansive meat processing industry and intensive livestock farming practices. Canada produced 300,000 metric tons, with 65% used domestically in poultry and swine feed. MBM exports from the U.S. surpassed 180,000 metric tons in 2024, mainly to Latin America and Southeast Asia. Biofuel applications consumed 150,000 metric tons across the U.S. and Canada, driven by sustainability regulations and carbon emission reduction mandates.

Europe

Europe generated around 1.1 million metric tons of MBM in 2024. Germany, France, and the United Kingdom together produced 620,000 metric tons. However, due to regulatory constraints, only 400,000 metric tons were used in animal feed, with the remainder directed to industrial and fuel applications. Europe exported over 220,000 metric tons of MBM in 2024, mainly from non-ruminant sources. The region is increasingly integrating MBM into renewable energy initiatives, with Denmark and the Netherlands using over 80,000 metric tons for co-firing in energy plants.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific recorded a total production and consumption of over 1.5 million metric tons in 2024. China contributed 720,000 metric tons, followed by India with 380,000 and Thailand with 210,000 metric tons. The region’s usage of MBM in poultry feed surpassed 800,000 metric tons. Import demand from Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia increased by 12% compared to 2023. Fertilizer applications in Asia-Pacific used 220,000 metric tons in 2024, driven by demand for phosphorus-rich inputs.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East and Africa region processed and consumed over 600,000 metric tons of MBM in 2024. South Africa led with 200,000 metric tons, while Egypt and Nigeria contributed a combined 240,000 metric tons. Usage was mainly directed toward poultry and aquaculture feed. Countries in the Gulf region imported over 60,000 metric tons to meet feed demand for poultry and dairy sectors. Fertilizer use was limited but expanding, with 45,000 metric tons used across Morocco, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

List Of Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Companies

Darling Ingredients
Sanimax
FASA Group
TerramarChile
MOPAC
CSF Proteins (Ridley)
West Coast Reduction
The Midfield Group
Maxland Group
JG Pears
Indian Bone Meal Industries
Birmingham Hide & Tallow
Patense
Nutrivil

Darling Ingredients: In 2024, Darling Ingredients led the global market by processing over 1.2 million metric tons of MBM.

Sanimax: Ranked second globally, Sanimax handled more than 650,000 metric tons of MBM in 2024.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) market has attracted consistent investment, especially in rendering infrastructure and alternative energy applications. In 2024, global investment in MBM processing facilities exceeded $1.1 billion, contributing to the addition of over 650,000 metric tons in new processing capacity. The U.S. and Brazil together accounted for over 330,000 metric tons of this expansion. Brazil’s largest new facility processed 145,000 metric tons in 2024, while the U.S. added 190,000 metric tons through upgrades in the Midwest and Southeast. In Europe, public-private partnerships supported over 160,000 metric tons of capacity expansion through environmentally compliant rendering systems. Germany and the Netherlands invested heavily in low-emission technologies for MBM handling. Asia-Pacific followed with a 210,000 metric ton boost, largely in India, Thailand, and Vietnam, with combined government and private sector investments exceeding $270 million. The fertilizer sector attracted over $180 million in 2024, leading to the deployment of 95 new composting and pelletizing units worldwide. Africa saw targeted investments in six countries, where MBM fertilizer units collectively processed 40,000 metric tons. Renewable energy initiatives incorporated MBM into biomass strategies, accounting for $220 million in investment, mainly in Europe and Japan. Global R&D expenditure related to MBM improved sterilization, odor control, and nutrient recovery systems. More than 25 companies reported investing in closed-loop systems and digital rendering tools. These innovations increased processing yields by 8–12% in pilot facilities across Canada and Denmark.

New Product Development

Innovations in MBM processing and usage have intensified, with over 70 new MBM-based products launched in 2023–2024. These include feed-grade formulations, high-efficiency fertilizers, and biofuel-compatible pellets. Pet food manufacturers introduced 15 new protein-enhanced SKUs with MBM blends, resulting in a combined volume increase of 40,000 metric tons in 2024. In fertilizer innovation, slow-release phosphorus formulations using MBM saw production scale-ups of 120,000 metric tons. These products, introduced in India and Ethiopia, enhanced nutrient efficiency by 22% compared to conventional phosphate fertilizers. In Japan, new MBM pellets designed for biomass power plants delivered 13 MJ/kg energy and were tested in four industrial facilities. Advanced rendering technology allowed development of odor-neutral MBM variants for urban composting programs in Europe. By end-2024, 11 municipalities in Germany and France adopted these variants, which processed over 25,000 metric tons without public nuisance complaints. Bio-refineries in the U.S. began trials on lipid extraction from MBM, projected to yield 80 million liters of bio-oil by 2026. Digital tracking systems embedded in MBM packaging were launched by two companies in Canada and the UK, allowing end-to-end traceability of more than 90,000 metric tons in the pilot phase. These smart-label systems are expected to be deployed across 12 countries by mid-2025.

Five Recent Developments

Darling Ingredients commissioned a new MBM facility in Texas with 110,000 metric tons capacity in March 2024.
Sanimax expanded its Quebec plant, adding 55,000 metric tons of MBM processing capacity in December 2023.
FASA Group launched MBM-based fertilizer granules in Brazil with 18% higher nutrient retention in May 2023.
JG Pears introduced AI-integrated sorting in their UK plant, increasing rendering efficiency by 14% in January 2024.
West Coast Reduction completed a joint venture with Japanese firms for biomass-grade MBM pellets in August 2023.

Report Coverage of Meat And Bone Meal (MBM) Market

The MBM market report provides in-depth coverage of production, consumption, trade flows, and technological advancements. In 2024, over 4.8 million metric tons of MBM were tracked across 35 countries, with detailed segmentation by type (Cow and Sheep, Non-Cow and Sheep) and application (Animal Feed, Fuel, Fertilizer, Pet Food, Others). The report includes regional breakdowns for North America (1.6 million metric tons), Europe (1.1 million), Asia-Pacific (1.5 million), and the Middle East & Africa (600,000 metric tons). Analysis covers end-user sectors, regulatory landscapes, and safety protocols. Over 130 charts visualize trade volumes, product types, and emerging applications. In terms of technological scope, the report reviews over 25 patented innovations from 2023–2024, including sterilization advancements, AI-enabled sorting, and packaging traceability. The competitive landscape section profiles 14 major players, analyzing production volumes, investment trends, and export capabilities. Forecast modeling uses multi-source datasets updated through April 2024. Metrics include consumption ratios per livestock type, biofuel conversion rates, and regional demand elasticity. The report evaluates MBM’s economic and environmental role across agriculture, energy, and pet nutrition. It concludes with strategic insights into logistics, compliance, and investment prioritization. Key opportunity areas include MBM in renewable fuel, phosphorus recovery, and digital rendering systems. This 360-degree coverage ensures actionable intelligence for stakeholders across the MBM value chain.