The Environmental Impact of Down Quilts: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Australians are becoming increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, and here at Eiderdown we’re proud to support this shift towards a more sustainable future. We’re aware of a few worries surrounding goose and duck filling. After all, any animal product is bound to have speculations around animal welfare. Today, we’re going to debunk these myths and explain a little about our certifications and ethical practices. Let’s dive into the world of ethical down-sourcing and discover how Eiderdown produces bedding that’s not just luxurious, but sustainable. 

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a globally recognised certification that ensures the down used in products comes from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely. The RDS certification process is rigorous, focusing on several key principles:

• Ethical Treatment of Animals: RDS prohibits practices such as live-plucking and force-feeding. The certification guarantees that the birds live in healthy environments, are not subjected to unnecessary harm, and are handled with care throughout their lives.
• Traceability: RDS-certified down is fully traceable, meaning it can be tracked from the final product back to the farm where it was sourced. This ensures transparency and accountability at every stage of the supply chain.
• Stakeholder engagement: RDS is managed with the input of farmers, animal welfare experts and land conservation experts to ensure the latest knowledge on safe practices. 

Eiderdown’s Commitment to RDS

For us at Eiderdown, adhering to RDS isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a core part of our values. We believe in doing business the right way, and that means ensuring that the animals providing our down and feathers are treated with the highest standards of care. The foundation of the RDS is built on the Five Freedoms, which ensure Geese and Ducks are treated well. Here’s how we make sure these freedoms are respected:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: Our down is sourced from farms where animals have continuous access to fresh water and a balanced diet.
2. Freedom from Discomfort: Animals are provided with proper shelter and resting areas to ensure their comfort.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease: We ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment to prevent suffering.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour: Animals are given adequate space and social opportunities to exhibit natural behaviours.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress: Humane handling and living conditions are maintained to prevent mental suffering.

If you've ever purchased one of our products, you might have noticed the 'RDS' tag in the corner. What you might not realise is that you won't find this tag on any other Australian bedding product. Eiderdown is proud to be Australasia's only bedding manufacturer with RDS certification. This unique distinction highlights our leadership in the industry and our unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing. Our ultimate goal is to pave the way for other companies in the industry to start adopting similar standards. 

Animal Welfare

Curious as to how we maintain these standards in our supply chain? Below are a few of the many RDS standards we uphold:

• No Force-Feeding (AW1.1): Our farms do not source animals that were force-fed nor outsourced for this purpose. This ensures that the birds are not subjected to any form of distress or harm during feeding.
• Adequate Nutrition (AW1.2): Birds are provided with sufficient food to meet their nutritional needs. They have continuous access to food during daylight hours, ensuring they never go more than eight hours without nourishment. This also means no growth hormones are used, promoting natural and healthy growth.
• Proper Housing (AW2.1): Birds have access to shelters that protect them from extreme weather conditions, with roofs and walls in good condition and well-ventilated spaces to prevent the buildup of harmful ammonia levels.
• Access to Water for Behavioural Needs (AW2.8): Birds have access to water deep enough for them to dip their heads and swim, which is essential for their natural behaviours and overall health.

Traceability and Transparency

At Eiderdown we believe transparency is key. If you’re buying one of our products, you deserve to know exactly how it was made. Traceability in down-sourcing means that every feather in our products can be tracked from the farm to the finished quilt or pillow. 

We go above and beyond RDS requirements by implementing the Hungarian Down Traceability System (HDTS), an Australasian exclusive. This innovative system offers unparalleled insight into the origins of your down product. With HDTS, you can simply scan the unique QR code provided with your Eiderdown product to access detailed information about its origins in Hungary.

This includes:

• Exact Location: See precisely where in Hungary the down was sourced.
• Benefits: Learn about the specific benefits associated with the type of down you’ve chosen.
• Detailed Insights: Gain comprehensive information about the down's journey from farm to final product.

Customer Confidence

Our commitment to responsible sourcing is reflected in the glowing feedback from our customers. Here are a few testimonials that highlight the trust and satisfaction our customers experience with Eiderdown products:

Chase C: "I’m in Perth, where it’s not particularly cold for much of the year. This lightweight, incredibly snug (like a miracle; not too hot, not too cold) duvet is one of my best purchases in a very long time. I’m looking for excuses to buy more products now. Thanking the business for their ethical standards & ensuring no cruelty to animals."

Kirsty I: "I absolutely love my new pillow. It’s soft and luxurious. My husband and I care a lot about sustainability and were pleased to know Eiderdown doesn’t harm animals in the process."

Clarrisa T: "We are stoked with our purchase! So lovely and warm. We thought the QR code was a cool feature; our daughter loved tracing her doona all the way back to Hungary!”

Conclusion

At Eiderdown, we believe that comfort and conscience can coexist. Our commitment to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) ensures that our luxurious bedding products are sourced ethically and sustainably. By choosing Eiderdown, you're not just enhancing your home with high-quality down products; you're also supporting humane animal treatment and environmental stewardship. If you’d like to join us in leading the way to a more ethical future, explore our range of bedding and experience the difference that responsible sourcing makes.