Down & Feathers
What are Down & Feathers?
Down and feathers are natural materials harvested from ducks and geese, with down referring to the soft, fluffy undercoating clusters that lack a quill, and feathers referring to the outer plumage with a stiff central shaft (quill). These two materials provide various levels of insulation and support, most commonly as a fill for apparel and bedding.
For plastic-free living, down and feathers offer natural insulation that synthetic fills attempt to replicate but never quite match. Unlike polyester fiberfill that compresses permanently and loses loft over time, quality down maintains its insulating properties for decades with proper care.
Types of Down & Feathers
Goose Down
Premium down from geese with larger clusters and superior loft compared to duck down.
Goose Feathers
Natural feathers with quills that provide structure and support, often blended with down for firmness.
Common Uses for Down & Feathers
Bedding: Comforters, duvets, duvet inserts, pillows, mattress toppers
Outerwear: Down jackets, puffer coats, parkas, vests, ski jackets
Sleeping Gear: Sleeping bags, camping quilts, travel blankets
Home Textiles: Decorative throw pillows, couch cushions, chair cushions
Outdoor Equipment: Insulated camping gear, expedition equipment
Are Down & Feathers Safe? Health & Safety Recommendations
Microplastic Concerns: Down and feathers do not shed microplastics. They are natural animal protein materials that biodegrade completely into organic matter.
Chemical Safety: High-quality down is thoroughly cleaned to remove oils, dust, and allergens. Untreated or naturally water-resistant down, or products using PFA-free DWR treatments are free from harmful chemicals. Properly cleaned, high-quality down should not trigger allergies.
Certifications to Look For: RDS (Responsible Down Standard) ensures down comes from birds not subjected to live-plucking or force-feeding. Global Traceable Down Standard provides supply chain traceability. Downpass certification covers animal welfare and product quality. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 ensures no harmful substances in the final product. IDFL (International Down and Feather Laboratory) certification verifies fill power and quality claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Down & Feathers
Are down and feathers plastic-free?
Yes, down and feathers are completely plastic-free. They are natural materials - the plumage of ducks and geese - containing no petroleum-based plastics. Down and feathers are fully biodegradable animal proteins that break down into organic matter, making them environmentally superior to synthetic polyester fills.
Does down and feathers shed microplastics?
No, down and feathers do not shed microplastics. Any particles that escape through fabric are natural, biodegradable protein materials. However, the fabric shell containing down (often nylon or polyester) may shed microplastics - look for cotton or natural fiber shells to avoid this issue.
Is down and feathers biodegradable?
Yes, down and feathers are fully biodegradable. As animal protein (keratin), they decompose naturally in 6-12 months under proper composting conditions, breaking down into nitrogen-rich organic matter that enriches soil. This is a major advantage over synthetic fills like polyester that persist for hundreds of years as microplastic pollution.
What's the difference between down and feathers?
Down consists of soft, fluffy clusters without quills - the undercoating that keeps waterfowl warm. Down has three-dimensional structure that traps air efficiently, providing maximum insulation with minimal weight. Feathers have a stiff central shaft (quill) and flat vanes, and are less insulating and less compressible than down but cost less and provide structure.
How long does down last compared to synthetic fill?
Quality down products last significantly longer than synthetic alternatives with proper care. Down maintains loft through hundreds of compression cycles, while synthetic fill permanently compresses and loses insulation. This longevity justifies down's higher initial cost - the cost-per-year is often lower than cheaper synthetic alternatives that require frequent replacement.