Ethically sourced goose down
Hungarian goose down is ethically sourced. As Hungary is part of the European Union, they follow strict EU guidelines on the humane treatment of animals, producing high quality goose down in highly regulated conditions. The key processes of harvesting, sorting and cleaning the goose down, as well as quality control are carefully monitored.
Goose down procured from Hungary is only either a by-product of the food industry or shedded feathers collected from natural moulting as the geese age. There are no 'goose down' farms and absolutely no feather plucking from live birds.
Our Hungarian goose down and feather duvets, toppers and pillows are provided by a family run business renowned for the best quality goose down which is certified by The Responsible Down Standard, ensuring that the goose down and feather is ethically sourced, traceable and rigorously tested.
Each duvet and pillow is a guaranteed 'Original Hungarian Goose Down Product' by the Hungarian chamber of commerce. Watch out for brands that say they use Hungarian goose down but don't provide guaranteed traceability. See more in our guide to Hungarian goose down.
Read on:
- Is Hungarian goose down ethically sourced?
- What is The Responsible Down Standard?
- What is the Global Traceable Down Standard?
- What is Downpass?
- What is Downmark?
- What are the 5 freedoms of animal welfare?
- Where does goose down come from?
Is Hungarian goose down ethically sourced?
Not every brand selling bedding or other products containing goose down and feather or duck down and feather, have made sure that it has been ethically sourced and is cruelty free. Terms to look out for are 'ethical down', 'responsible down', 'cruelty-free down' or 'green down'.
Check the product label or packaging for one of these accreditations, The Responsible Down Standard, Global Traceable Down Standard, Downpass or Downmark so that you can be assured that the feather and down products you are buying have been produced without causing distress to the geese.
What is the Responsible Down Standard?
The Responsible Down Standard is an independent, voluntary global standard which ensures that the down and feathers come from geese that have been treated well and never suffer from live plucking. The geese are able to live healthy lives, expressing innate behaviours, and not suffer from pain, fear or distress. The standard follows the chain of custody from farm to product.
RDS criteria:
- Protecting animal welfare - Holistic respect for animal welfare of the birds from hatching to slaughter. The Five Freedoms of animal welfare are respected.
- Confident communication - Only products with 100% certified down and feathers may carry the RDS logo.
- Stakeholder engagement - The RDS was developed with the input of farmers, animal welfare experts, land conservation experts, brands and retailers from all parts of the globe.
- Credible certification - A professional, third party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain.
- No live-plucking or force-feeding - Any removal of down and feathers from live birds (live-plucking or molt-harvesting) is prohibited; force-feeding is also prohibited.
- Chain of custody - Certification ensures that the identity of RDS down and feathers is maintained at all times: from the farm to the final product.
What is the Global Traceable Down Standard?
The Global Traceable Down Standard, (Global TDS) ensures that down in garments and other household and commercial products comes from a responsible source that respects animal welfare and can be transparently traced.
Overseen by NSF International, the Global Traceable Down Standard (Global TDS) monitors the down supply chain to ensure animals are being treated with decency. From farm to factory, purveyors are surveyed to verify that there has been no live-plucking or force-feeding during any stage of the process. The Global TDS also offers education and outreach to each level of the supply chain. Suppliers can receive an NSF Global TDS standard once their entire supply chain has been audited and any issues have been addressed.
What is Downpass?
Products labelled with the Downpass guarantee high quality and the certainty that down and feathers used as filling material are ethically sourced and come from tightly controlled and traceable supply chains. The quality of products are monitored by independent testing institutes.
The Downpass is a 'zero tolerance' standard. Accordingly, down and feathers of waterfowl (geese and ducks), which are used as fillers in bedding, clothing and outdoor equipment, can be inspected, tested and audited. An initial audit is valid for 2 years. During the year, ongoing inspections are carried out. At the end of the two years, the audit must be renewed.
This means that:
- No product from live animals or animals kept for foie gras production is accepted as filling material.
- Any material from harvesting during the moulting season as well as live plucking is banned.
- The rearing of the animals must be monitored.
What is Downmark?
Downmark is a globally recognized certification issued by the Down Association of Canada. To qualify for a certification, a company must meet strict quality, label, and packaging standards. The Downmark certification ensures that products are genuine and humanely sourced.
What are the five freedoms of animal welfare?
Developed by Britain's Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1965, the 'Five Freedoms' are internationally accepted standards of care that affirm every living being's right to humane treatment:
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst - By ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigour.
- Freedom from Discomfort - By providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease - By prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour - By providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress - By ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
Where does goose down come from?
Buy your goose down products made in countries that regulate their down industry:
Chinese goose down: The majority of goose down comes from China but it is generally low quality as the down is harvested from very young geese which means the feathers have not matured into large, dense plumes. The harvesting process in China is also largely unregulated unlike Europe and Canada.
European down: The main countries in Europe that produce down are Hungary, Poland and the Pyrenees area in France. This is high quality down produced in regulated conditions ensuring that the key processes of harvesting, sorting, cleaning and quality control are well monitored.
Canadian and Hutterite goose down: Another area that produces high quality down in smaller quantities is the Western region of Canada. Hutterite down is produced by the Canadian Hutterite geese in Alberta.
Also in Duvet fillings
How to choose the best duvet: 10 things you need to know
Guide to Hungarian goose down duvets
Hungarian goose down duvet guide, we tell you why you should choose goose down duvets and goose down pillows; 12 things you need to know about goose down before buying your goose down duvet or pillow; and the 7 elements we believe make up the best goose down duvet.
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