Downlite, a major down and feather processor and supplier of performance fills to the outdoor and home furnishings markets, has joined the DOWNPASS Association, with the intention of making DOWNPASS certified down available to its outdoor and home furnishings customers.
Downlite is the first U.S. down and feather processor to join the DOWNPASS Association. Downlite now can provide outdoor apparel, sleeping bag and bedding retailers worldwide a full offering of traceability standards including: Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Traceable Down Standard (TDS) and now, DOWNPASS.
Headquartered in Germany, DOWNPASS is based on the standards specified in the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for farming purposes, which include ethical treatment of geese and duck, and the various quality requirements for feather and down. Both finished products, and down and feather transport containers can be traced through the chain of custody all the way back to the breeding of geese or ducks. DOWNPASS’ traceability standards can be customized, however the most basic standard must assure that down and feathers were not plucked from live animals. The association’s traceability audits and inspections are carried out by IDFL.
“Integrity is Downlite’s priority, and as a result, we have spent years improving our supply chain and demonstrating full transparency to our partners,” said Chad Altbaier, VP Sales and Business Development, Downlite. “We are very proud of our new association with DOWNPASS and how it will complement the other traceability/animal welfare standards that we’ve helped develop and also participate in.”
“We are very pleased to welcome Downlite to the DOWNPASS association, as our first US-based down processor,” said Dr. Juliane Hedderich, CEO, European Down and Feather Association. “Their shared values on supply chain custody and product quality are an ideal match for our association, and we look forward to their upcoming certifications.”
