HANOI—Animal protection organization Humane World for Animals has launched a step-by-step cage- and crate-free implementation guide to help food and hospitality companies turn existing animal welfare commitments into action and accelerate their transitions away from extreme animal confinement systems. The guide supports medium and large, national and multinational companies in their efforts to strengthen their implementation of more humane standards, minimize their supply chain risks and meet growing consumer expectations for improved animal welfare.
Cages and crates prevent animals such as pigs and chickens from performing basic natural behaviors, causing significant physical and psychological harm. Hens confined in cages are unable to nest, perch or spread their wings, while sows kept in gestation crates are often unable to turn around for extended periods. Transitioning away from extreme confinement systems is a critical step toward improving farm animal welfare, allowing animals to express natural behaviors — the fundamental cornerstones of animal welfare.
This comes at a time when thousands of companies worldwide — including many operating in Viet Nam — have reached or finalized animal welfare commitments, and hundreds more are expected to adopt cage- and crate-free sourcing policies in the years ahead.
According to a 2024 survey by international market research firm Nielsen, conducted in Viet Nam’s five largest cities, 92% of consumers said they would consider buying — and are willing to pay more for — eggs from cage-free hens.
Hang Le, program director, Southeast Asia, global farm animal protection at Humane World for Animals, says: “Our guide, together with the growing availability of eggs from cage-free hens, supports companies in delivering on their cage- and crate-free commitments. Developed through extensive collaboration with industry leaders and companies of all sizes, the guide is designed to help businesses strengthen animal welfare practices while reinforcing brand value. More than a guide, it is a strategic support system offering hands-on assistance — from policy development and producer engagement to implementation.”
The guide aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which since 2023 has increasingly integrated animal welfare expectations into its responsible business conduct and due diligence frameworks. It also reflects global policy trends, with the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Bhutan, Norway and Switzerland, as well as 11 U.S. states, already banning or phasing out the use of cages in farming.
Grounded in years of experience working with companies and producers in Viet Nam, the guide distills global best practices into a clear and practical roadmap. It helps companies navigate challenges, engage suppliers and make measurable progress toward fulfilling pledges and policies, while supporting environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives, maintaining market share and meeting investor expectations.
Humane World for Animals’ guide includes:
A clear, phased roadmap to support post-2025 implementation and continuous improvement aligned with company-specific timelines;
Guidance on supplier engagement and third-party certification;
Tools to support cross-departmental collaboration and internal alignment;
Case studies from companies that have successfully transitioned, including Mondelez Kinh Do International’s collaboration with Vinh Thanh Dat Corporation in Viet Nam;
Marketing and communications strategies to build client and consumer trust.
The guide is available in Vietnamese, English, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish, and will be available in Thai in the coming months.
Humane World for Animals works globally to persuade corporations, financial institutions, food service companies, governments and farmers to eliminate the worst practices of industrial animal agriculture that subject the greatest number of animals to the longest duration of suffering, including intensive confinement. While the organization’s work is global, Humane World for Animals has farmed animal welfare teams in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the European Union, India, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Viet Nam. The organization also promotes a shift toward a more plant-forward, climate-friendly global food system by providing culinary resources and training to institutions serving millions of meals daily and advocating for policy change at national and international levels.
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