Driving sustainability in the poultry sector
Aviagen understands that the choices we make — as individuals, teams and organizations — shape the future of our planet.
With that comes a responsibility to drive meaningful, lasting change. This responsibility guides how we work every day — from how we manage resources and reduce emissions to how we care for our birds and support poultry producers around the world.
Carbon savings that add up
As outlined in our 2024 Sustainability Report, progress is driven by the efforts of our teams. Across Europe, these efforts are delivering measurable results.
Together, our operations have achieved an annual reduction of 1,059.46 tons of CO₂ equivalent through a range of sustainability projects.
This includes contributions from multiple locations — such as Aviagen EPI in Germany, Aviagen Kft in Hungary, Aviagen UK Ltd, and Aviagen SAU in Spain. Additionally, we have projects underway in France, Hungary and Spain, with an annual carbon reduction potential of 655.84 tons of CO₂e.
These efforts reflect a shared focus on improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening long-term sustainability.
Moreover, they continue to evolve, with teams actively exploring new opportunities — including integrating sustainability-focused innovations into the design of new farms and facilities from the outset.
As our CEO Jan Henriksen explains, “Across our global operations, we are constantly looking for smarter, more efficient ways to reduce our environmental impact while supporting long-term business goals.”
Aviagen SAU – sustainability in action
At Aviagen SAU in Spain, these efforts come to life through a practical, data-driven approach - a clear example of how this work is put into practice.
“In December 2023, we launched a project to study how energy was being used across our facilities,” explains Sergio Illan, General Manager at Aviagen SAU.
By installing solar panels and battery systems, and transitioning hatchery heat pumps from gas to electric, the team is cutting energy use and emissions. These improvements lower emissions, along with long-term energy costs and reliance on volatile markets, thus supporting a more efficient and stable operation.
The journey began with a detailed assessment of energy use across facilities, helping the team identify where changes could deliver the greatest benefit. Sergio explains: “We studied how energy is used and identified the most effective ways to reduce our carbon footprint. It’s about choosing the right solutions for each location and using data to guide decisions.”
This approach has also helped guide future investment decisions. As Sergio notes, “It has given us a clear idea of how we can move forward with the right technologies for each of our facilities.”
Beyond environmental gains, the benefits are felt by people and communities. More efficient, reliable energy systems support stable hatchery operations and help ensure a dependable supply of healthy chicks for poultry producers across the region. These efforts show how environmental care, economic resilience and social responsibility move forward together.
The project has also encouraged wider engagement. As Sergio notes: “Our people were engaged from the beginning. Seeing the results has inspired some of our team members to take similar steps at home, such as installing solar panels themselves.”
Jan Henriksen adds, “These initiatives are more than just upgrades — they represent the kind of innovation and forward thinking we want to encourage across all regions. Every step forward, no matter the size, brings us closer to a more sustainable future for our business and our planet.”
Moving forward, together
Lasting impact comes from practical steps, shared responsibility and continuous improvement. At Aviagen, this means supporting the planet, strengthening communities and helping secure the future of poultry production.
Watch our short video and explore the 2024 Sustainability Report to learn more.
