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The International Down and Feather Bureau welcomes inquiries from the media. If you would like to learn more about IDFB, or the down and feather industry, we have several ways in which to share our information with you.

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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.

Infographic 2023Infographic 2018Whitepaper

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

Download the Whitepaper

Videos

Down: Better Insulation. Better for the Environment.

A global lifecycle assessment concluded that down fill material has an astounding 85% - 97% lower environmental impact than polyester fill material in all five areas tested. In human health, ecosystems, resources, energy demand, and climate change.

Down: Better Insulation, Better for the Planet

When it comes to Climate Change down fill material has a 92% LOWER IMPACT than polyester does.

Down: Better Insulation, Better for your Health

Rest easy… In Human Health down fill material has a 92% LOWER IMPACT than polyester does.

Down: The Natural and Sustainable Choice

In Ecosystems down fill material has a 85% LOWER IMPACT than polyester does.

Subscribe to the IDFB Blog

Subscribe to the IDFB Blog for quarterly updates of the latest news, updates and insights from industry thought leaders.

Subscribe to the IDFB Blog

Join Our Media List

If you’re a member of the media and would like to stay up to date on the latest news from the International Down and Feather Bureau, join our media list.

Join Our Media List

Interview IDFB

If you're a reporter and would like to interview IDFB leadership, email us with the name of your publication, the subject of your article and your deadline. Just let us know what you need, and we’ll take it from there. 

Interview IDFB

About the IDFB

Shaping the Future of the Down Industry

IDFB brings together industry leaders to tackle challenges, refine standards, and strengthen market integrity. Meet the experts shaping the future of down and feather—hear their vision, their mission, and why IDFB matters. Watch now to see the industry’s top minds in action!

Innovation, Connection, and Industry Growth

At Heimtextil 2025, IDFB is bringing the down and feather industry together! From exhibitors to visitors, our members share their insights on why IDFB is crucial for innovation, quality, and global collaboration. Watch the video to see IDFB members coming together from around the globe at Heimtextil!

IDFB goes green with the Outdoor Industry

At ISPO Munich 2024, the International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB) highlighted the sustainability of down to the outdoor industry. As key suppliers to many brands, IDFB members provide high-quality filling materials that enhance both product performance and environmental responsibility.

Press Release

Read all about it

IDFB issues press releases to help inform and educate its members, the down and feather industry and consumers.

Press Review

IDFB in the media

  • Rent. Blog2 MB

    October 30, 2024: Creating a Sleep Sanctuary

  • 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