Sweden becomes cage-free – Project 1882 celebrates historic victory
Millions of hens have spent their lives confined in cramped cages in Sweden – but now, the cages are gone. This is the result of years of intensive advocacy by Project 1882. Sweden is also the only country in the world that has become cage-free without a legal ban.
After decades of determined work, there are no longer any hens kept in cages in Sweden. Project 1882 obtained statistics from regional authorities and the egg industry to confirm this. Through political advocacy, corporate dialogue, public campaigns, and international efforts, Project 1882 has been the driving force behind this historic achievement. Sweden remains the only country in the world to have gone cage-free without a legislated prohibition.
– Sweden being free from cages is hugely significant for the hens and a victory for everyone who has stood by their side. Project 1882’s supporters have demonstrated that change is possible, even when politics fails, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.
The effort to eliminate these cruel cages began over 50 years ago. In 1988, the Swedish Parliament voted to ban them. However, when the ten-year transition period ended, the egg industry had not removed the cages. As a result, the law was amended, and the use of cages in egg production continued.
When that promise to the hens was broken, Project 1882 once again intensified its advocacy efforts. This included publishing comprehensive reports, running repeated public awareness campaigns, holding corporate dialogues, and engaging directly with policymakers. Thanks to Project 1882’s ranking of animal-friendly municipalities, all Swedish municipalities have now chosen to exclude cage eggs from their public procurement.
Since 2008, more than 85 companies – from retailers to hotel and restaurant chains – have taken a stand against cage eggs following discussions with Project 1882. These corporate commitments have played a crucial role in eliminating cages from Swedish egg production. Since 2008, more than 17 million hens have been spared from a life in cages.
– This has been achieved thanks to dedicated animal advocates across Sweden. We have influenced companies and municipalities and run campaigns without giving up. This is clear proof that long-term, persistent advocacy makes a real difference, says Benny Andersson.
Project 1882 also collected 50,000 signatures for the European Citizens' Initiative End the Cage Age, which is expected to lead to a comprehensive cage ban across the EU. The legislative proposal was initially promised for 2023 but has now been delayed until 2026.
The fact that cages are now history in Sweden sets a powerful example for the rest of the EU – but without a legal ban on cages in egg production, there is a risk they could return.
– We have seen fantastic progress, but now Sweden must take the next step. Project 1882 demands an immediate legal ban on the keeping of hens in cages. There is no reason to wait, concludes Benny Andersson.
Key milestones 1988–2025:
1988
A new animal welfare law in Sweden promises a ban on cages. 95 % of hens are kept in barren battery cages.
1997–2005
Battery cages are banned, and egg labelling is introduced to help consumers avoid cage eggs. But the so called "enriched" cages were allowed.
2008
Project 1882 launches its first corporate campaign against the keeping of hens in cages. Hemköp becomes the first retailer to say no to cage eggs. 40 % of hens are still in cages.
2013–2017
Coop, Willys, Lidl, Netto, and City Gross in Sweden phase out caged eggs, resulting in a rapid decline in the number of hens kept in cages.
2017
New efforts target getting food chains to phase out cage eggs entirely, including as ingredient in their private-label products. 13 % of hens live in cages.
2019
The three largest wholesalers in Sweden adopt cage-free commitments. 8 % of hens remain in cages.
2020–2021
The European Commission promises a ban on cages following the End the Cage Age citizens’ initiative, co-led by Project 1882.
2021
After 13 years of campaigning, the last retailer ICA goes cage-free. 95 % of municipalities in Sweden exclude cage eggs in their public procurement. 3.5 % of hens are still in cages.
2024–2025
The wholesaler Martin & Servera completes its phase-out of caged eggs. In total, over 85 companies have adopted commitments after dialogue with Project 1882. Less than 1 % of hens remain in cages.
2025
Project 1882 receives confirmation that all cages are empty. At least 17 million hens have been saved from a life in cages since 2008.
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