New CO2 deal welcomed by the poultry industry
The British Poultry Council (BPC) has applauded a new deal to ensure a sustainable supply of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the industry, saying it is “in the national interest.”
CO2 is used in the British poultry industry for stunning, packaging and refrigeration. BPC explained that a shortage of CO2 impacts production processes, with the latest example being the delays caused by the temporary closure of CF Industries’ Billingham plant in September 2021.
BPC said that the new agreement enables CF Industries’ Billingham plant, providing up to 60% of Britain’s CO2, to operate with little-to-no compromise to food supply or bird welfare.
Avoiding further disruption
Chief executive of the BPC Richard Griffiths said: “The announcement of an agreement to ensure supplies of CO2 for industries like our own is a good thing. The last thing Britain’s food producers need right now, against a backdrop of high energy prices and food inflation, is more pressure. CO2 must be considered something that is in the ‘national interest,’ and we have been working closely with government to avoid disruption in this area of our supply chain.”
Griffiths added: “This agreement will enable the Billingham plant to operate as we, along with other sectors, navigate this tricky period of high energy prices and food inflation. We look forward to continuing our work with key government departments and officials to ensure resilience is built up in this area.”
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