Hi FAST! 

After decades of tireless advocacy, Sweden has become cage-free – a historic achievement for hens and for everyone who has stood by their side. Millions of hens once endured life in cramped cages, but thanks to Project 1882’s persistent, long-term efforts, there are now no hens kept in cages anywhere in Sweden. 

This breakthrough is unique. To our knowledge, Sweden is the only country in the world to have gone cage-free without a legal ban. Project 1882 confirmed this shift by obtaining data from regional authorities and the egg industry. 

In 1988, the Swedish Parliament voted to ban cages – but that promise to the hens was ultimately broken. In response, Project 1882 intensified its efforts: publishing detailed reports, launching repeated public awareness campaigns, holding corporate dialogues, and engaging directly with policymakers.  

Thanks to these efforts, and following discussions with Project 1882, more than 85 companies –– from retailers to hotel and restaurant chains – have taken a stand against cage eggs. Since 2008, over 17 million hens have been spared a life in cages. 

This success shows what persistent, collective action can achieve – even when political will falls short. 

At the EU level, Project 1882 also collected 50,000 signatures for the End the Cage Age initiative, pushing for a ban across the EU. With delays pushing the proposal to 2026, Project 1882 is now urging Sweden to take the final step: A legal ban on cages, to ensure they never return. 

Read more: https://www.project1882.org/news/sweden-becomes-cage-free