MASON, Ohio — June 30, 2014 — After going through extensive audits conducted by Control Union, Downlite, a major down and feather processor and supplier of performance fills, is the first company to earn the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certificate in China – which constitutes the largest down supply chain in the world.
RDS was developed by The North Face in partnership with Control Union, a respected global certification body, and Textile Exchange for research, writing, and stakeholder review, of which Downlite was an integral contributing party. RDS certification, which traces the entire down supply chain from farm to control standards, ensures companies that the down in their products comes from ethically treated geese.
“Responsibly-sourced down has always been part of our DNA, which is why we’ve embraced the RDS since its inception,” said Chad Altbaier, VP Sales and Business Development, Downlite. “Because 80% of the world’s down comes from China, we prioritized Control Union’s audit of our high-quality goose down supply chain here first. Downlite is positioned to offer significant volumes of RDS certified white and grey goose down with a broad spectrum of qualities for the F15 and S16 apparel and sleeping bag seasons.”
Altbaier further commented that RDS certification audits for Downlite’s European supply chain are underway and with certification expected shortly thereafter.
Posted July 16, 2014
Source: Downlite