Superior Sustainability of Down Proven in International Study
NEW YORK (April 6, 2022) – The down in our bedding, outerwear and camping gear has 18 times less of an environmental impact than 100% polyester fill, according to a recently completed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that studied the impact of down in five areas: human health, ecosystems, resources, cumulative energy demand and climate change. Results concluded that on a per ton basis, down has 85% – 97% lower impacts than 100% polyester in all the impact categories analyzed.
The International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB) commissioned Long Trail Sustainability, an independent third-party firm specializing in LCAs and sustainability reports, to scientifically substantiate the claim that down has a lower environmental footprint compared to its alternative.
“Authenticated sustainable products are extremely important to today’s consumer,” says Brandon Palmer, who serves as the communications chair of both IDFB and the American Down & Feather Bureau (ADFC), an IDFB member. “This study adds to the many benefits of down. In addition to being natural and renewable, down and feather provides superior warmth without the weight, is ethically sourced and is biodegradable.”
The report adheres to ISO 14040 and 14044 guidelines which outline the principles and framework for LCAs.
For more information about the LCA and its findings visit www.downandfeathercouncil.com.
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About the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC): The American Down and Feather Council (ADFC) is a voluntary association of manufacturers of natural fill bedding products, as well as dealers, buyers, sellers, and processors of feathers and down for use in home fashion products. The goal of the ADFC is to further the common interests of the down and feather products industry and to maintain and improve product quality. For more information, visit www.downandfeathercouncil.com.
About the International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB): IDFB is the international trade association of the down/feather industry (processors of raw material and/or producers of finished articles, filled with down/feathers), the down/feather trade and independent testing institutes for down/feather as filling material.