Goose down is a popular filling for comforters, pillows, jackets and other bedding and clothing items. It is prized for its lightweight, fluffy texture that provides excellent insulation and warmth. Goose down comes from the undercoat of geese, which they shed naturally each year during molting season. Most commercial goose down is collected from slaughtered geese in the food industry. However, there are alternatives that allow goose down to be collected humanely and ethically without killing the geese.
Where does goose down come from?
Goose down refers specifically to the soft, fluffy undercoat of domestic geese belonging to the species Anser anser. This undercoat grows on the breast of geese and helps insulate them against cold weather and water. Goose down clusters provide superior loft and insulation compared to duck down and other feather fill alternatives. The structure of goose down allows it to trap more air pockets, which is what provides warmth without added weight. Goose down is commonly used as an ethical alternative to goose feathers obtained through live plucking.
How is goose down typically collected?
The vast majority of commercial goose down is collected as a byproduct of the waterfowl meat industry. Geese raised for food are slaughtered around 7-8 weeks old, before their down matures. After slaughter, the feathers are removed by hand or machine and sorted. The soft breast feathers are separated as goose down, while lower quality feathers from other parts of the body may be sterilized for use as feather fill. Because the geese are killed at a young age, the amount of down that can be collected from each bird is minimal.
What are the concerns around commercial goose down production?
While goose down itself is a natural, sustainable material, there are some ethical concerns around commercial goose down production:
- Geese raised for meat are often kept in crowded, stressful conditions
- There are animal welfare concerns around the slaughter methods used
- The geese are killed at only 7-8 weeks old, before reaching adulthood
- Limited down is collected per bird, so large numbers of geese must be slaughtered
There have also been instances of live-plucking of feathers from geese and other waterfowl in some countries, which causes pain and distress. The down industry has worked to eliminate this unethical practice.
How can goose down be collected humanely?
There are a few methods that allow goose down to be collected without the geese being slaughtered:
Molting
Molting is the natural shedding of old feathers to make way for new feather growth. Waterfowl like geese molt once a year. During this molting period, the breast down can be collected 2-3 times by gently removing the loose feathers by hand. After molting, the geese fully regrow their down over 4-6 weeks. Molted down is of higher quality and fill power than slaughtered goose down since it comes from mature birds.
Brush Collecting
Similar to molting, brush collecting involves gently brushing out loose, dead breast feathers as the goose naturally sheds its down. Typically done in the spring and fall, brush collecting does not pull out live feathers, so it is painless for the birds. Each goose can be brushed multiple times as down is shed. However, strict collection limits per bird must be followed to prevent overcollecting.
Hatchling Down
Newly hatched goslings are covered in a fine, soft down that falls out shortly after hatching. This hatchling down can be gently collected without harming the goslings by brushing it as they walk on mesh surfaces. Only a small amount can be collected per hatchling and collection must be done carefully, but it provides a humanely sourced alternative.
How is humanely collected down different?
There are a few key differences between regular goose down and humanely sourced down:
Factor | Regular Goose Down | Humanely Sourced Down |
---|---|---|
Source | Byproduct of meat industry | Molting or brush collecting |
Goose age | 7-8 weeks old | Fully mature 1+ years old |
Down quality | Average fill power | Higher fill power |
Collection method | Plucked after slaughter | Gentle brushing or gathering shed down |
Animal welfare | Lower standards | Higher standards, geese unharmed |
The geese live longer, happier lives and are not slaughtered when humanely sourced down is used. The down itself is also higher quality, with better insulation properties.
Major sources of humane goose down
Here are a few of the major sources for humanely collected goose down:
Allied Feather & Down
Allied sources the majority of its down supply from geese in European countries like Hungary, Poland, and Germany. It uses a humane brush collecting process during the molting season. There are strict standards on how often each goose can be collected from.
Heimbach
Heimbach sources traceable down and feathers from European farms, including the Anserini farm in the Czech Republic which practices sustainable molting. The geese live year-round in open meadows and ponds.
Knoll Textiles
Knoll uses recycled down from old bedding and garments to give it a second life, as well as some humanely sourced new down. The recycled down goes through extensive cleaning and sterilization first.
Patagonia
Patagonia sources traceable down for its outdoor garments from a humane supply chain in Europe. It adheres to the Global Traceable Down Standard for ethical sourcing practices.
Piedmont Down
Piedmont Down collects molted goose down from family farms in Hungary and Poland, where the geese live freely. It audits its suppliers frequently to ensure humane practices.
Certifications for humane down
There are a few certification standards in place to ensure responsible sourcing of down:
Global TDS (Traceable Down Standard)
This independent, third-party certification traces down from farm to final product. It certifies humane treatment and prohibits live-plucking and force-feeding.
RDS (Responsible Down Standard)
The RDS audits and certifies companies using humane practices and animal welfare. It also ensures traceability across the supply chain.
European UFAS Federate
UFAS certifies responsible down and feather production in Europe, with criteria on animal welfare and traceability. Brands like Norrona and Haglofs use UFAS-certified down.
Downpass Standard
The IDFB’s Downpass certification focuses on best practices for animal welfare at goose and duck farms and slaughterhouses.
Options for vegans and the ethically concerned
For those who still have reservations about using any animal products, including responsibly sourced down, there are some down-alternative options:
Primaloft
Primaloft makes synthetic insulated fabrics from ultra-fine polyester fibers engineered to mimic down properties.
Thindown
Thindown is made from a proprietary spun matrix of polyester that traps air pockets for warmth without weight. It is used by brands like Save the Duck.
Plumtech
Plumtech filling is made from pluming, soft clusters of polyester fibers that mimic down both visually and in performance. It is hypoallergenic.
Kapok
Kapok is a natural plant-based fiber that offers lightweight warmth and insulation. It comes from the seed pods of the kapok tree.
Conclusion
With innovative and ethical sourcing methods, it is possible to enjoy the superior warmth of goose down without geese being killed in the process. Molting and brush collecting allow mature geese to remain unharmed while providing higher fill-power down. When sourced responsibly using humane standards, goose down can be a cruelty-free insulating fiber.