RDS (Responsible Down Standard)

Ensures the ethical treatment of ducks and geese in the production of feathers and down, guaranteeing animal welfare throughout the entire supply chain.
Founded: 2014
Sector: Textile

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Objective

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) ensures that feathers and down come from ducks and geese treated according to their Five Freedoms. Farms and slaughterhouses are certified based on a strict set of animal welfare criteria, including the prohibition of live-plucking and force-feeding.

Down and feather materials from RDS-certified farms are tracked using the Content Claim Standard (CCS) chain of custody requirements.

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a voluntary standard that encourages the down and feather industry to treat ducks and geese more humanely and rewards pioneering organizations. The standard also provides companies and consumers with a way to learn more about the origin of the materials in the products they buy.

Establishing criteria for progressive practices that benefit ducks and geese:

Help mitigate risks associated with down and feathers sourced from animals subjected to unnecessary harm.
Encourage the down and feather industry to treat ducks and geese more humanely.
Provide a robust chain of custody for certified materials as they move through the supply chain.
Strengthen companies’ claims that the products they sell contain certified material.

The Responsible Down Standard label allows the sale of textiles containing down or feathers if these have been produced in a manner that respects animal welfare.

Encouraging best practices and managing the chain of custody:

Animal Welfare: Respect for the well-being of ducks and geese, from hatching to slaughter, is a core part of the Five Freedoms of animal welfare and is incorporated into the standard criteria.
Prohibition of live-plucking and force-feeding: Any removal of down or feathers from live birds (plucking or molting collection) is prohibited. Force-feeding is also forbidden.
Reliable Certification: A professional, third-party certification body audits each stage of the supply chain, starting at the farm.
Chain of Custody: Certification helps maintain the identity of down and feathers from certified farms to the final products.
Confident Communication: Products meeting the minimum certification requirements may be labeled with the Responsible Down Standard logo.