Circle K says no to Frankenchickens

Circle K Sweden becomes the latest company to take a stand for the welfare of chickens. By starting to work with the European Chicken Commitment (ECC), the company now aims to say no to the use of Frankenchickens. At the same time, Circle K has expressed support for giving more chickens the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Project 1882 is urging St1 and PLOQ to make the same decision. 

– It’s encouraging to see yet another major company taking more responsibility for animals. By starting the work with ECC, Circle K in Sweden is working to improve the welfare of chickens. This is an important step in the right direction – even though we know there is still more to be done, says Nathalie Söderström, Director of Corporate Relations at Project 1882.  

Circle K’s decision affects around 300 staffed service stations across the country. The company is the 70th in Sweden to begin working with ECC following a dialogue with Project 1882. 

– We are constantly working to improve our product range in many ways. A key part of that work is product quality, and being able to contribute to better lives for chickens is an important piece of the puzzle going forward, says Olof Tidbeck, Senior Manager Food at Circle K Sweden. 

Circle K had previously decided to phase out cage eggs following discussions with Project 1882 – one of many cage-free commitments that have contributed to the end of cages in the Swedish egg industry. 

ECC – one step forward for the chickens 

The European Chicken Commitment (ECC) is a call from animal rights and animal welfare organizations across Europe that sets the absolute minimum standard for the welfare of chickens. Through ECC, companies are urged to improve the living conditions of chickens by, for example, using slower-growing breeds, providing more space and environmental enrichment in the stalls. Project 1882 works to encourage more companies to take responsibility for animal welfare – not only by saying no to Frankenchickens, but also by reducing their purchases of chicken meat.