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Sweden has officially transitioned to a cage-free system for hens, marking a historic victory for animal welfare group, Project 1882.

This achievement makes Sweden the only country globally to eliminate the use of cages in egg production without a legal mandate, a feat accomplished through both extensive advocacy and corporate engagement.

Project 1882 has spearheaded this initiative, leveraging years of advocacy, public campaigns and corporate dialogue to drive change in the Swedish egg industry. The organisation confirmed the absence of caged hens through data obtained from regional authorities and the egg sector.

The journey towards this milestone began over 50 years ago, with the Swedish Parliament's initial promise to ban cages in 1988. However, the transition was stalled by the egg industry's failure to comply with the ban, prompting Project 1882 to intensify its efforts.

Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882, noted the significance of this achievement: "Sweden being free from cages is hugely significant for the hens and a victory for everyone who has stood by their side". This sentiment reflects the dedication of animal advocates who have worked tirelessly to influence public policy and corporate practices.

Since 2008, Project 1882 has engaged with over 85 companies, including major retailers and food service operators, to phase out cage eggs. This collaborative approach has resulted in commitments from key players in the industry, significantly reducing the number of hens kept in cages. Notably, all Swedish municipalities have opted to exclude cage eggs from their public procurement processes, further solidifying the shift towards humane treatment of animals.

The campaign's success is underscored by the fact that more than 17 million hens have been spared from confinement in cages since 2008. The organisation also mobilised support for the European Citizens' Initiative, 'End the Cage Age,' which aims to establish a comprehensive ban on cages across the EU. Although the legislative proposal has faced delays, the momentum generated by Project 1882 serves as a powerful example for other EU nations.

Despite this landmark victory, Project 1882 warns of potential risks if a legal ban on cages is not instituted. Without formal legislation, there are concerns that caged systems could be reintroduced.

Andersson urged for immediate legal action, stating: "We have seen fantastic progress, but now Sweden must take the next step".

The journey to a cage-free future in Sweden has been marked by key milestones, including the gradual phasing out of battery cages, the introduction of egg labelling and the commitment of major retail chains to eliminate cage eggs from their offerings.

The final retailer, ICA, transitioned to cage-free practices in 2021, leading to a dramatic reduction in the percentage of hens kept in cages.

Image credit: Project 1882