NSF International has developed the Global Traceable Down Standard in response to growing consumer and industry concern about responsible sourcing of down for apparel and bedding.
NSF International’s Sustainability division will provide independent third-party auditing and certification services for product manufacturers to this standard following publication this month.
Patagonia approached NSF to facilitate a consensus-based process to refine a Patagonia-developed internal standard, with a commitment to expanding animal welfare and 100 percent traceable down, into a consensus global down standard. Patagonia’s standard, which the company implemented fully for its own supply chain in 2014, now represents the independent Global Traceable Down Standard’s highest tier.
The Global Traceable Down Standard was developed in partnership with stakeholders from industry including down processors, manufacturers, retailers, animal welfare groups, such as Four Paws International, trade associations and other non-governmental organizations.
Under the Global Traceable Down Standard, onsite audits verify that treatment of waterfowl meets the rigorous requirements of the standard, including no force feeding or live plucking, from parent farm to slaughterhouse.
Additionally, traceability is confirmed through on-site audits at all locations from parent farm to final manufacture to ensure the compliant down and feather material is fully documented as the only material used in finished, certified goods. All organizations handling the down are audited and verified to have good management systems in place to keep the certified down segregated from conventionally sourced down.