Down RDS

INTRODUCTION

The down and feather used for insulation in consumer products is sourced from worldwide production and processing supply chains. As a result, retailers and consumers are not informed sufficiently on the origin of the products and the conditions in which they were produced. Recently, this raised concerns on the animal welfare conditions of waterfowl, and the lack of traceability of down and feather products. To ensure that final product claims are accurate, traceability is needed from the source of the down through to the final product.

Independent, third-party assessment of all aspects of animal rearing and handling, as well as traceability from the source of the down through to the final product, will help to improve the welfare of animals and, at the same time, provide retailers and consumers alike with greater confidence in responsible sourcing.

A major outdoor apparel, equipment and footwear brand, The North Face (TNF) has taken the initiative to develop a standard with the aim of seeking a holistic, sustainable solution for responsibly sourced and traceable down.

To achieve this, TNF worked with Control Union (CU) to do an in-depth supply chain evaluation to determine whether a certification standard is achievable. This evaluation resulted in the creation of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) which applies to the whole down supply chain from “Hatchling to Jacket”. Control Union worked with The North Face and Textile Exchange (TE) to write the standard along with stakeholder input from supply chain members, farmers, brands, industry experts and animal welfare organizations.

The North Face gifted the ownership of the standard to Textile Exchange (TE) upon its completion. This provides a resource to the entire industry with the goal of improving the welfare of animals and increasing the traceability of down on a global level. It also ensures the future maintenance and integrity of the standard.