RDS - Responsible Down Standard
What is RDS?
The Responsible Down Standard is an independent, voluntary global standard, which means that companies can choose to certify their products to the RDS, even if there is no legislation requiring them to do so. The RDS was developed and revised over three years, with the input of animal welfare groups, industry experts, brands, and retailers. The standard recognizes and rewards the best practices in animal welfare.
What does Responsible Mean?
The intent and spirit of the standard are best reflected by one of the Oxford Dictionary’s definitions of responsible: “morally accountable for one’s behavior.” Not only farmers but brands and supply chain members need to meet their obligations to respect the Five Freedoms of the animals that provide their down and feathers and to meet the trust of consumers that are choosing RDS products.