Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
Also known as: RDS, Responsible Down
Voluntary standard for down and feathers from animal-welfare-compliant husbandry, developed in 2014 by The North Face and Control Union, now managed by Textile Exchange.
Description
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) was developed in 2014 by outdoor brand The North Face together with the certification body Control Union and has been managed by Textile Exchange as an open industry standard since 2016. It is by far the most widespread down label and is used by brands such as Patagonia, Jack Wolfskin, Mammut and Fjällräven.
Core requirements are the ban on live plucking (down and feathers may only be removed after slaughter) and the ban on force-feeding for foie-gras production. In addition, the five freedoms of animal welfare must be respected across the entire life of the ducks and geese — from parent stock and rearing through transport to slaughter. Every farm, slaughterhouse and collection point is audited; the supply chain is traceable to the finished jacket (chain of custody). Certification is performed by independent accredited bodies.
Properties
| Issued by | Textile Exchange (USA), standard since 2014 |
|---|---|
| Core prohibitions | Live plucking, force-feeding |
| Audit scope | Farm, slaughterhouse, collector, full supply chain |
| Notable users | The North Face, Patagonia, Jack Wolfskin, Mammut |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Textile Exchange - Responsible Down Standard Textile Exchange https://textileexchange.org/responsible-down-standard/
