A brand of carbon neutral eggs has gone on sale in Sainsbury’s this week. Respectful eggs come from hens which are not fed soya, the single biggest contributor of carbon in the production of eggs.
Soya has been replaced with field beans which are grown on the Respectful farms, and milled on-site, thereby reducing the food miles required to feed the hens. The field beans and crops are direct drilled, meaning soils are not ploughed. As well as meaning fewer tractor movements, reducing fuel use, this vastly reduces soil compaction, which is beneficial for soil health.
The eggs are laid by white hens and live 40% longer than brown hens, and consume less feed, all contributing to a lower environmental impact.
Both the farm and the packing centre use renewable energy as well as procured wind energy, further contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Climate Partner, the leading solutions provider for corporate climate action, has independently verified the carbon footprint of the Respectful egg.
Lewis Mercieca, Respectful’s commercial manager said: “The Respectful egg reflects our passion for sustainable farming and the environment, our love for our hens, and our commitment to decarbonisation. We want customers to trust in our food, to trust in our eggs; and know that when they are purchasing a Respectful egg, that we have not only endeavoured to place the lightest footprint possible in delivering them a natural and delicious egg, but that every day we are trying to tread lighter still.”
Respectful Eggs will retail in selected Sainsbury’s stores priced from £1.99 for 6 eggs.