Monday 07 August 2023 – Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company (CP Foods) is making a groundbreaking achievement by introducing Asia’s first-ever carbon-neutral cage-free egg. The product has received certification from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), reflecting CP Foods’ commitment to promoting the consumption of the most animal-friendly and environmentally-friendly eggs.
Somkid Wannalukkhee, Head of the Egg Business at CP Foods, emphasized the company’s dedication to developing low-carbon products to minimize environmental impacts across its value chain. The Egg Business Unit has been actively implementing various projects, such as installing automated egg conveyors, reducing food loss based on FAO principles, utilizing eggshells efficiently, and adopting alternative energy sources like solar panels and biogas systems in layer farms and egg production processes.
As a result of these efforts, 23 categories of fresh egg and cage-free eggs received certification with the Carbon Footprint Reduction Label (CFR) or Global Warming Reduction Label last year. Notably, CP Foods’ cage-free eggs brand, U Farm, has achieved the milestone of being the first-ever “carbon-neutral cage-free egg” in Asia.
“This initiative of producing carbon-neutral cage-free eggs is yet another step by the company towards increasing the availability of low-carbon food products, supporting conscious consumers who prioritize animal welfare and environmentally friendly sourcing. Carbon-neutral cage-free eggs not only offer better nutrition but also present an ethical choice for consumers” stated Somkid.
CP Foods’ cage-free eggs brand, U Farm, had previously received the “Global Warming Reduction” label from GTO, and this year, the company has taken additional measures to offset any remaining emissions through carbon credit purchase, showcasing its dedication to decarbonization in food production.
CP Foods’ eggs products with the “Global Warming Reduction Label” have demonstrated an outstanding performance with a 30 per cent greenhouse gas emission reduction below the industry average. Last year, 23 global warming reduction egg products contributed to a reduction of 617,000 tons of CO2 equivalence.
CP Foods ensures its cage-free eggs come from special breeding layer hens, raised in a cage-free layer system within enclosed houses, adhering to internationally recognized standards and certified by Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development.
The house environment is automatically controlled, and equipped with automated conveyor belts to move eggs from egg-laying spots to storage rooms. Furthermore, the houses maintain high sanitary and biosafety standards, supervised by biosecurity hi-tech farming guidelines, to ensure the welfare and protection of the chickens’ health on the farm.
The layer hens are fed with 100% grain feed and benefit from the addition of probiotic microorganisms, boosting their immune systems and overall health. As a result, hens are raised without the usage of antibiotics throughout the raising period. This system guarantees safer and fresher eggs than conventional eggs, and its packaging utilizes 100% recycled paper.
CP Foods is actively pursuing innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from egg production and aims to further develop cage-free layer farms that operate as 100% renewable farms.
In 2022, the company introduced 818 low-carbon products, including chicken meat, pork meat, duck meat, and eggs, with 56 products classified as low-carbon and bearing the “Global Warming Reduction Label.” This effort aligns with CP Foods’ ambitious goal of achieving 40 per cent of its total revenue from green revenue by 2030.
