To our dog handlers, their dog is not simply ‘a tool of the trade’, they are a well loved, well treated member of the team. Ethical companies will not accept materials from animals subjected to harmful practices.
We go to great length and great costs to ensure all of our security dogs are kept as safe as possible during transit and at every job we carry out. The importance of animal health and welfare in our sourcing practices cannot be overstated.
We choose highly intelligent and versatile breeds, such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Herders, which along with their handlers, who they form strong bonds with, are put through our vigorously intensive training programmes. We emphasize the humane treatment of these animals, ensuring they are well cared for.
Whilst each dog has its own personality, by understanding the breeds we are able to focus our animal welfare efforts to ensure our dogs are kept protected and in the very best of health. Regular audits are conducted to maintain humane treatment standards.
The handlers themselves ensure the safety of their dog at all times and we’ve had purpose-built vehicle adaptations for the dogs' continued safety during transit to and from jobs. Our commitment to high standards began with significant updates to our practices.
Reputable brands play a crucial role in ethical sourcing, and we align with their standards. Third-party audits for certified farms are essential to maintain the integrity of our supply chain.
Companies must substantiate their claims about humane treatment to ensure transparency. Aligning our standards with climate strategies is also a priority for us.
Ensuring products meet specific standards is vital for conformity. A strong chain of custody in our supply chain reinforces the integrity of our claims.
The treatment of ducks in the down industry highlights the need for ethical practices. Various stakeholders were involved in developing our standards.
The treatment of live birds in the down industry is a significant concern. The North Face's role in establishing accountability through standards is noteworthy.
Understanding the origin of down materials is crucial for transparency. Adherence to best practices in ethical sourcing is a cornerstone of our operations.
Compliance with established animal welfare principles ensures humane treatment. The entire production chain is important for maintaining high standards.
We are proud to support animal welfare standards. High standards of animal welfare are essential for quality assurance.
Specific dates when standards were updated have been released to show our commitment. Engaging with suppliers to request transparency is crucial.
Manufacturers must adhere to animal welfare guidelines to ensure responsibility. Marketing products containing certified down materials requires ethical practices.
Specialized services related to animal products are part of our expertise. Humane treatment of birds during slaughter is a critical concern.
Suppliers play a key role in maintaining supply chain transparency. Sourcing wool ethically is also a priority for us.
Introduction to Down Industry
The down industry is a significant sector that provides essential insulation materials for a variety of products, including garments, bedding, and outdoor gear. This industry relies heavily on sourcing down and feathers from birds, particularly ducks and geese. However, concerns about animal welfare have led to the development of standards and certifications aimed at promoting responsible and humane practices. One such standard is the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which ensures that down and feathers are sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare and adhere to strict guidelines. The RDS is a cornerstone in the down industry, enabling companies to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. By adopting the RDS, companies can ensure that their materials are sourced responsibly, contributing to a more ethical and sustainable industry.
Responsible Down Standard
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a voluntary standard designed to improve the welfare of ducks and geese used for down. This standard incentivizes the down and feather industry to treat birds more humanely and promotes transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. Managed by the Textile Exchange, the RDS is widely recognized as a leading standard for animal welfare in the down industry. Companies that adopt the RDS benefit from increased transparency, improved supply chain management, and enhanced brand reputation. The RDS includes comprehensive guidelines for animal welfare, supply chain transparency, and sustainability, making it an essential standard for the down industry. By adhering to the RDS, companies can ensure that their practices are responsible and humane, fostering trust and loyalty among consumers.
Understanding Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is a critical aspect of the down industry, and the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) prioritizes the well-being of birds used for down. The standard ensures that birds are treated humanely and are not subjected to unnecessary harm, such as live-plucking or force-feeding. The RDS also promotes the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, which include freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury, or disease, freedom from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. By prioritizing these freedoms, the RDS helps to reduce suffering and promote more humane practices in the down industry. The standard also ensures that birds have access to adequate food, water, and shelter, and are protected from disease and injury, thereby enhancing their overall well-being.
Certification Process
The certification process for the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) involves a thorough third-party audit of farms and supply chains to ensure compliance with the standard. This audit process includes an evaluation of animal welfare practices, supply chain transparency, and sustainability. Companies that meet the RDS criteria can be certified and labeled as RDS-certified, which helps to build trust with consumers and stakeholders. The certification process is carried out by accredited auditors, such as Control Union, which provides expertise and support to companies seeking certification. The RDS certification process also involves a robust traceability system, ensuring that down and feathers can be tracked from the farm to the final product. This traceability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the supply chain and ensuring that all materials are sourced responsibly.
Benefits of Certification
The benefits of RDS certification are numerous, and companies that adopt the standard can experience improved supply chain management, enhanced brand reputation, and increased transparency. RDS certification also helps companies to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare and sustainability, which can lead to increased customer loyalty and trust. Additionally, RDS certification can help companies to reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve their overall performance. The RDS is a key standard for animal welfare in the down industry, and companies that adopt this standard can benefit from being part of a responsible and sustainable industry. By prioritizing animal welfare and sustainability, companies can also contribute to a more humane and environmentally-friendly down industry, ensuring that their practices align with the highest ethical standards.