Japan-based conglomerate Marubeni is entering a partnership with Robert Downey Jr.-backed insect protein company Ynsect to collaborate with France-based Ynsect to enter the Japanese market.

Japan is the second largest user of fishmeal in the world, and there is a growing need to develop alternatives to imported fishmeal, party due to cost and sustainability reasons, the companies said.

Ynsect, founded in 2011, is currently commissioning a fourth site in France.