The North Face to use 100 percent certified responsible down for AW16

Outdoor label the North Face has achieved its goal of using 100 percent certified responsible down in all of its retail and wholesale down products for its fall 2016 range.

The step comes one year earlier than anticipated, with the down fill used by The North Face to be certified through the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) which the outdoor brand teamed up with together with global non-profit organization Textile Exchange and certification body Control Union Certifications.

Officially launched in January 2014, the North Face originally set goals to include 30 percent certified down in its fall 2015 range, 60 percent in its 2016 line and 100 percent in fall 2017. However, the company was able to meet its goal a year ahead of schedule, with its fall 2016 collection offering more than 500 down-insulated apparel items.

"Down provides the most compressible warmth without the weight, offering superior insulation and comfort," said Joe Vernachio, Global Vice President of Product, The North Face. "We've been working hard to integrate RDS-certified down across our entire down product line. It took a team effort, and we’re proud to say that now our customers can take comfort in knowing their down products were sourced from the highest quality, responsible down available."

The RDS provides strict requirements in regards the component in the water fowl sourcing chain, from chick to end product, to ensure the better treatment of the birds. It also ensures that inhumane practices such as force-feeding and live-plucking are not part of the supply chain whilst encouraging the best practices in animal welfare.

“We’re thrilled to see complete integration of RDS-certified down into The North Face down products this fall,” said Anne Gillespie, Director of Industry Integrity for Textile Exchange. “Over the last year, many farm groups, processors, garment factories and trading units all became certified by RDS, providing a surge in the availability of responsible down to the growing number of brands who are demanding it. The North Face has been a real driver in creating the demand that has fuelled the momentum we are seeing.”

Photo: Herve Barmasse shot by Damiano Levati, The North Face Facebook