The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a certification program for the ethical treatment of birds in the down industry. Its sets requirements for animal welfare, including the prevention of force-feeding and live-plucking.

The RDS has been developed by Control Union, The North Face and Textile Exchange through a wide stakeholder review process, which involved, among others, worldwide down supply chain members and major animal welfare organisations.

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

In 2014 we launched the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) in partnership with Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit dedicated to sustainability in the apparel and textile industry, and Control Union Certifications, an accredited third-party certification body with expertise in agriculture and farm systems. The RDS ensures that our down does not ...

After nearly two years in development, the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) developed by Control Union, Textile Exchange and The North Face is now complete and published. The range in down supply chain structures made it a challenge to create an effective standard, but the RDS balances rigor with flexibility, and allows for wide-scale adoption.

And, with the development of the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), a leading standard for animal welfare in down and feather products has been created. With Control Union’s global expertise, we can offer services for all animal products included in textiles.

Control Union also played an active role in creating the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Global brands are increasing their use of sustainable materials due to an increase in public awareness and demand for traceability.

RDS-101-V3.0-2019.07.01 5 Introduction About the Responsible Down Standard The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is an international, voluntary standard that addresses animal welfare in the duck and geese supply chain and chain of custody of down and feather material from certified farms to the final product.

The RDS has been developed by Control Union, The North Face and Textile Exchange through a wide stakeholder review process, which involved, among others, worldwide down supply chain members and major animal welfare organisations.

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a certification program for the ethical treatment of birds in the down industry. Its sets requirements for animal welfare, including the prevention of force-feeding and live-plucking.