Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn has taken a significant step toward sustainable poultry production by establishing a soybean supply chain designed to reduce the carbon footprint of broiler feed. At Albert Heijn’s request, Plukon Food Group developed the innovative supply chain, which fully replaces conventional soybean meal in broiler feed with soy sourced from this new environmentally conscious system. This change can lower the climate impact of Albert Heijn’s Beter Voor Natuur & Boer chicken products by up to 38%.
The initiative supports Albert Heijn’s broader sustainability goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 45% by 2030 compared with 2018 levels. By integrating this low-carbon soy solution, the supermarket chain and its partners are setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible poultry production.
The supply chain was created in close collaboration with feed manufacturer De Heus, soy suppliers ADM and Bunge, and guided by Merieux NutriScience | Blonk. Carbon footprint assessments were independently verified by EY and Kool Planet, ensuring transparency and accuracy. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL) has recognized the project as a meaningful advancement in the sustainable cultivation of soy, highlighting its potential to influence both industry standards and consumer choices in favor of climate-friendly food production.
