The down and feather used in bedding, apparel and outdoor gear comes from ducks and geese raised for human consumption. This is what the International Down and Feather Bureau says. It adds that from 2009 to 2013 approximately 2.7 billion ducks and 653 million geese were raised for consumption globally, resulting in an estimated 410 million pounds of excess down and feathers each year. These materials would otherwise have been dumped at landfills but have instead been treated, cleaned and then traded for use in products like pillows, comforters, duvets, mattress toppers, winter jackets and outdoor sports gear.

IDFB says the down and feather industry is highly regulated and that any unlawful methods of down and feather procurement are neither supported nor condoned. It says unlawful methods are less than one per cent of the industry.

Down and feather products are supposed to be highly sustainable, making them superior to synthetic materials, since they have a lower carbon footprint.

IDFB has visited more than 2,000 geese and duck farms across the world and conducted approximately 400 traceability audits since 2008. IDFB, based in Austria, was founded in 1953. It is an international association of processors and producers of feather and down material and finished products, and traders and testing institutes.