Farm Animals

Farmed Pig CO2 Stunner Welfare 2026: Progress and Future

CO2 pig stunning welfare improvements are progressing in 2026 with engineering advances and alternatives development.

Key Facts

Several European slaughter plants have adopted high-concentration rapid-rise CO2 systems
UK FSA welfare at slaughter monitoring includes stunning efficacy assessment
Consumer and retailer pressure is driving investment in improved CO2 system design
Commercial-scale demonstration of non-CO2 stunning alternatives is planned for 2027

Welfare Considerations

Progress on CO2 stunning welfare, while incremental rather than transformative, represents genuine reduction in aversive experience for millions of pigs annually. High-concentration rapid-rise systems reduce the aversive period while full alternatives are developed. Industry commitment to improvement timelines creates accountability.

What You Can Do

Support CIWF campaigns for pig slaughter welfare reform including CO2 system improvement
Advocate for mandatory welfare assessment of CO2 stunning systems in slaughter plant licensing
Choose pork from processors who have made public commitments to stunning improvement