Morrisons has become the first retailer in the UK to have a product certified as carbon neutral by leading independent scheme providers BSI, the business improvement and standards company, according to a company press release. 

This move recognises Morrisons achieving a 60% carbon reduction since 2021 on its ‘Better For Our Planet’ compared with the standard range of eggs.

Morrisons launched its carbon neutral eggs in 2022 (now known as ‘Better For Our Planet Eggs’) and the range underwent rigorous independent testing by BSI, to determine whether it met a series of international standards for carbon neutral products.

To secure its carbon neutral certification from BSI, Morrisons introduced a pioneering circular feeding scheme, maintained the health and welfare of the hens and used renewable energy to power the hen house. In addition to this the woodland, hedgerows, grass and wildflower meadows were maintained and developed to capture and store carbon.

The BSI Kitemark for carbon neutral products is an assurance to Morrisons customers that our eggs have passed the rigorous testing criteria required to certify carbon neutrality from farm to shelf. The scheme also incorporates a carbon footprint management plan which will ensure year on year carbon reductions on a product.

This important work underpins Morrisons commitment to reduce its scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2030, with an ambition for this to include net zero agriculture emissions from their direct UK supply chain.

In 2021 Morrisons brought forward its commitment to achieve net zero in its own operations by 2035, five years earlier than its initial pledge and 15 years ahead of the UK Government target. Morrisons has also pledged to reduce carbon greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 77% by 2035.

“We are pleased to have our ‘Better For Our Planet’ eggs recognised and certified by the British Standards Institute," said Sophie Throup, Morrisons manufacturing director, technical and sustainability. "This achievement is an assurance to our customers that these eggs are in fact better for our planet. The range is the first of many more sustainable products we hope to launch in the future as we work to support farmers supplying us on a net zero pathway."

“The climate emergency and reducing global GHG emissions is among one of the greatest challenges we face today," said Natasha Bambridge, BSI's global consumer promise practice director. "Amidst growing scrutiny of organisations’ net-zero claims, independent assessment to verify carbon neutrality status can help customers looking to make green purchasing decisions trust that claims have been tested to a clear and internationally recognised benchmark."

“We congratulate Morrisons on becoming the first UK organisation to achieve the BSI Kitemark for carbon-neutral products," she added. "This is an important achievement, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to achieving net zero emissions. This crucial milestone marks a significant point in Morrisons journey, establishing them as an industry leader in sustainability efforts."