Open Wing Alliance Urges Unilever to Restore Commitment to Cage-Free Eggs

The Open Wing Alliance Urges Unilever to Restore Commitment to Cage-Free Eggs

In a significant move towards animal welfare, the Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a coalition of 84 organizations dedicated to ending chicken abuse globally, is calling on Unilever to reinstate its pledge to source 100% cage-free eggs across its entire supply chain. This appeal comes on the heels of Unilever's controversial decision to remove this global commitment, reflecting a troubling trend within an industry rapidly shifting towards cage-free sourcing.

A Shift in Commitment

Unilever had initially committed to maintaining a cage-free policy in March 2018, elevating its status as a leader in animal welfare. However, in 2025, the company quietly rescinded this global promise, confining its commitments solely to Europe and North America. This decision has come under fire, with critics highlighting the inconsistency in animal welfare practices across the numerous regions Unilever operates. In countries where protection for cage-free hens is minimal, millions of hens remain confined in cages, reliant on a company that now appears to abandon them when it is more convenient.

The Impact of Removing the Cage-Free Pledge

The implications of Unilever's retreat are vast. The company operates in over 190 nations and is trusted to source around 1.38 billion eggs annually, directly impacting nearly 5 million hens. Critics argue that limiting cage-free commitments to select markets creates a double standard that undermines Unilever’s ethical stance. Animals that suffer in confinement anywhere should be of concern, as Brooke Fane from The Humane League emphasizes: “Cruelty anywhere is cruelty everywhere.” Consumers are becoming increasingly aware and expect a proactive stance on animal welfare from all brands.

The Industry Landscape

This call to action for Unilever comes amidst a broader trend where over 2,800 companies globally, including more than 180 major corporations, have embraced cage-free egg production. Firms such as General Mills, Nestlé, and others have maintained comprehensive cage-free commitments. As the industry shifts away from cage-based systems, governments are also stepping up, with many, including the UK, advancing laws that ban animal confinement. The message is clear: cage-free sourcing is not just a preference; it is a requirement in the market.

The Path Forward

The OWA insists that Unilever must re-evaluate its recent decisions and publish a definitive plan with timelines for achieving a full cage-free sourcing policy globally. As the organization states, aligning with a future that prioritizes ethical sourcing is critical not just for the welfare of animals but also for maintaining the company’s reputation in the eyes of consumers.

In conclusion, the Open Wing Alliance's push for Unilever to reaffirm its commitment demonstrates the growing demand for ethical practices in the food industry. With consumer expectations evolving and the global landscape changing rapidly, companies must adapt to hold on to their values and leadership roles in animal welfare. As Unilever navigates this crucial moment, the eyes of animal welfare advocates, consumers, and industry peers will be on them, eager to see whether they rise to the challenge or falter.

For further updates on this initiative and others, visit the Open Wing Alliance’s website at openwingalliance.org.