Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
STANDARDS MENU
What is the RDS?
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) aims to ensure that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to any unnecessary harm. It is our hope that the standard can be used to reward and influence the down and feather industry to incentivize practices that respect the humane treatment of ducks and geese. We believe that education – through the RDS – is a meaningful way to drive demand for strong animal welfare practices. The standard also provides companies and consumers with a tool to know what is in their products, and to make accurate claims.
Objectives of the RDS
- Ensure to the highest possible extent that down and feathers do not come from animals in a supply chain that have been subjected to any unnecessary harm.
- Reward and influence the down and feather industry for practices that respect the humane treatment of ducks and geese.
- Provide companies with a tool to know what is in their products, and to make accurate claims.
- Ensure strong chain of custody for certified materials as they move through the supply chain.
Key Points in the RDS
Protecting Animal Welfare
Credible Certification
Confident Communication
No Live-Plucking or Force-Feeding
Stakeholder Engagement
Chain of Custody
Find RDS
Tools and Support
For Farmers
In this section you will find tools and resources to help with the process of implementing the RDS. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, please contact us directly.
RDS Documents
We want to help you communicate about your use of the RDS. Check out the resources below for the information you’re looking for.
Quick Guide – Talking points for the use of down and feathers in your products and what is covered by the RDS.
Introduction to RDS 3.0 – An introduction to the newly revised standard.
It may seem like a daunting task to undertake certification to a standard. It’s important to know as much as possible before you get started. The documents below are designed to get you started on the path to getting certified.
Textile Exchange has hosted several webinars over the first months of the Responsible Down Standard to explain how it works and how adoption of the standard works. Take a look at the archive to learn more about the RDS and certification in general.
For Suppliers
In this section you will find tools and resources to help with the process of implementing the RDS. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, please contact us directly.
RDS Documents
We want to help you communicate about your use of the RDS. Check out the resources below for the information you’re looking for.
Quick Guide – Talking points for the use of down and feathers in your products and what is covered by the RDS.
Introduction to RDS 3.0 – An introduction to the newly revised standard.
It may seem like a daunting task to undertake certification to a standard. It’s important to know as much as possible before you get started. The documents below are designed to get you started on the path to getting certified.
Supplier Toolkit – Suppliers are absolutely crucial to RDS. Learn how to plan RDS certification, save time and money through the process, and communicate your certification with your buyers.
Textile Exchange has hosted several webinars over the first months of the Responsible Down Standard to explain how it works and how adoption of the standard works. Take a look at the archive to learn more about the RDS and certification in general.
For Brands & Retailers
In this section you will find tools and resources to help with the process of implementing the RDS. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, please contact us directly.
RDS Documents
We want to help you communicate about your use of the RDS. Check out the resources below for the information you’re looking for.
Quick Guide – Talking points for the use of down and feathers in your products and what is covered by the RDS.
Introduction to RDS 3.0 – An introduction to the newly revised standard.
It may seem like a daunting task to undertake a full supply chain standard. It’s important to know as much as possible before you get started. The documents below are designed to get you started on the path to certifying your supply chain, or getting certified yourself.
Brand Toolkit – This brief training guide lists the first steps to using the RDS for your products. Find out how to plan, execute and get the most from RDS certification.
Textile Exchange has hosted several webinars over the first months of the Responsible Down Standard to explain how it works and how adoption of the standard works. Take a look at the archive to learn more about the RDS and certification in general.
History of the RDS
The RDS 3.0 revision process began in 2017, and the updated standard was published on July 1, 2019. You can read more about our revision process in the Development Hub.
View the RDS 3.0 Consultation Feedback Summary for a summary of comments received during the Public Stakeholder Review period.