Sharable IDFB Resources
Life Cycle Assessment compares Carbon Footprint
Sustainable... Renewable... Environmentally Superior... Lower Carbon Footprint... Recyclable... Positive Effects on Climate Change... Biodegradable... Part of the Circular Economy... Green Material...
While these are all accurate descriptions of the environmental benefits of down and feather, the International Down and Feather Bureau has commissioned research studies to quantify and bring data-based conclusions and results to these claims. To test the environmental footprint of down and feather, IDFB commissioned Long Trail Sustainability, an independent third-party organization that specializes in Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), to conduct an LCA of down fill compared to polyester. The LCA tested the environmental impact of down vs. polyester in five areas: human health, ecosystems, resources, cumulative energy demand and climate change.
On a per ton basis, down has an 85% – 97% lower impact than polyester in all categories analyzed, and 18 times lesser impact on climate change than polyester fill.
Research Supports Down’s Earth-Friendliness
While an IDFB-commissioned white paper assessed the humane practices of waterfowl practiced by IDFB members, it also quantified the fact that down and feather is the following:
- Recyclable: As a byproduct of the food industry, the waterfowl from which the down and feathers come from have been farmed or raised for food, not their feathers. Re-using the plumage for natural insulation reduces agricultural waste.
- Environmentally Friendly: As a byproduct of the food industry, no resources go to waste or into landfills.
- Renewable: Unlike synthetic fill materials composed of non-renewable resources, down and feather is a fully renewable resource.
The Sustainable and Ethical Practices of the Down and Feather Industry: A Global Assessment of Industry Statistics and Practices
Videos
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Read all about it
Press Release: Life Cycle Assessment Shows Down and Feather Products are More Sustainable than Alternatives440 KB
October 22, 2019: International Down and Feather Bureau announces recently published Life Cycle Assessment for down compared to polyester fill
Press Release: Research Refutes Misconceptions About Down and Feather Products 285 KB
June 7, 2016: White paper explores the sustainable and humane practices behind one of today’s most popular filling materials
IDFB issues press releases to help inform and educate its members, the down and feather industry and consumers.
IDFB in the media
Home Textiles Today919 KB
April 15, 2024: The lowdown on down fills. New video series touts sustainability
ISPO.com7 MB
September 28, 2023: IDFB Claims: Down and Feathers Are Better for the Environment, Then Synthetic Fillings
Home Textiles Today446 KB
April 16, 2023: Down fill gets high marks for low environmental impact in 3rd party assessment
wallstreet:online133 KB
October 31, 2019: Daunen- und Federprodukte sind nachhaltiger als Alternativmaterialien
Financial Post Canada2 MB
October 30, 2019: Life Cycle Assessment Shows Down and Feather Products are More Sustainable than Alternatives
StreetInsider.com277 KB
October 30, 2019: Life Cycle Assessment Shows Down and Feather Products are More Sustainable than Alternatives
FN Finanznachrichten.de106 KB
October 30, 2019: Life Cycle Assessment Shows Down and Feather Products are More Sustainable than Alternatives