Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company (CP Foods) has produced Asia’s first-ever carbon-neutral cage-free egg, the company said in a recent press release. The product received certification from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).

Somkid Wannalukkhee, head of the egg business at CP Foods, emphasised its dedication to developing low-carbon products to minimise 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 become the first “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 offer better nutrition and 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.