Textile Exchange and NSF International will work together to merge the Responsible Down and the Global Traceable Down Standards into one global down standard, announced the groups. The expectations are that a combination of the best attributes from each of the current standards will result in a best practice standard that respects the treatment of birds throughout the down supply chain.
The two standards share the common goal to ensure that best practices are in place to respect the Five Freedoms of birds throughout the supply chain. The Five Freedoms, according to the Farm Animal Welfare Council, include freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress. Currently more than 80 brands have chosen to certify their down supply chain to either the Responsible Down Standard or the Global Traceable Down Standard
Together Textile Exchange and NSF International will create an international working group with representatives from brands, suppliers, animal welfare groups and other interested parties. These same stakeholders were involved in the development of the current standards.
>If you would like to join the International Down Standard Working Group or submit feedback on the process, please email Integrity@TextileExchange.org.
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