Our feathers and downs

NOUS GARANTISSONS LE BIEN-ÊTRE DES ANIMAUX

The outdoor industry is among the chief recipients of criticism from NGOs such as PETA and FOUR PAWS regarding animal protection and welfare. Down, leather, fur and wool are all materials liable to raise animal-cruelty issues. Yet some of them are hard to do without.

Down is essential for warm, lightweight, functional jackets. But sometimes it is removed from live birds that are force-fed or bred in cruel conditions – and that is unacceptable to us.

To guard against this risk, we work with TEXTILE EXCHANGE, the non-profit behind the Responsible Down Standard (http://responsibledown.org), which lets us control the transparency of our down supply chain and thus avoid such practices.

RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD

This demands a responsible approach from farmers but also from brands and supply-chain members, who are bound to comply with the “five freedoms” of the animals that provide their down and feathers:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst

By ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.

2. Freedom from Discomfort

By providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease

By prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.

4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior

By providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the animal’s own kind..

5. Freedom from Fear and Distress

By ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

100% of our products that use feathers and down are designed with RDS certified feathers and down. This year, we already achieved our 2020 target!

Lastly, for even greater transparency, we have set up with our partner ALLIED FEATHERS a traceability system available to our products’ users, who can verify the provenance of feathers and down at any time.

You just need to identify the TRACK MY DOWN code on compatible products and use the online tool below, to see the source of the feathers you’re wearing!

See our commitment