Textile Exchange and NSF International are working together to merge the Responsible Down and the Global Traceable Down Standards into one global down standard. The two parties intend to combine and improve the attributes from each of the current standards, which will result in a best practice standard that respects the treatment of birds throughout the down supply chain.
The two standards share the common goal of ensuring that best practices are in place to respect the Five Freedoms of birds throughout the supply chain. The Five Freedoms, according to the Farm Animal Welfare Council, include freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress.
Currently, more than 80 brands have chosen to certify their down supply chain to either the Responsible Down Standard or the Global Traceable Down Standard
Together, Textile Exchange and NSF International are committed to an open and transparent process to merge the standards by creating an international working group with representatives from brands, suppliers, animal welfare groups and other interested parties. These same stakeholders were involved in the development of the current standards.
Interested parties are invited to join the working group, which kicks off in March 2017. If you would like to join the International Down Standard Working Group or submit feedback on the process, email Integrity@TextileExchange.org.
Photo courtesy Responsible Down Standard
