LAMESA, TEXAS—Textile Exchange and NSF International will work together to merge the Responsible Down and the Global Traceable Down Standards into one global down standard. Combining and improving the best attributes from each of the current standards 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 to ensure 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 this month. If you would like to join the International Down Standard Working Group or submit feedback on the process, e-mail Integrity@TextileExchange.org.
