Feb 01 | Down sourcing – the path forward
By The North Face
February 1, 2013
We want to share an update on our ongoing efforts to ensure the ethical treatment of animals in our down supply chain. Since last March, The North Face has obtained self-reported declarations from 100 percent of our suppliers that the down they provided for our 2013 products is free from live plucking. However, we feel these declarations are only the first step in a much longer process of ensuring full traceability and accountability across our supply chain.
To begin this process, we have partnered with Control Union Certifications (www.controlunion.com/certification), a leading audit and certification body, to perform a complete evaluation of the animal welfare landscape as it relates to our down supply chain. This project includes the study of global animal welfare standards and regulatory requirements, defining important issues in the space—including live plucking and force feeding—and an assessment of how to ensure transparency and traceability of down throughout our supply chain. This will give us a comprehensive evaluation of the issues related to animal welfare and help establish our path forward in addressing the ethical treatment of animals in our supply chain.
Down used in The North Face products is a byproduct derived from geese that are raised for their meat and liver. Since we are not an economic driver of goose farming, one of our industry’s biggest challenges continues to be our ability to influence the practices of the food industry. Through our partnership with Control Union, we’re embarking on a deep journey into this issue and taking a vital step towards ensuring that the sources of our down comply with strict standards. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months as our evaluation progresses.
Great start--now it's been 6 weeks since your last update where are we?
Posted by: Brian | 03/15/2013 at 12:56 PM
Yep- like Brian, we here in Australia are eagerly watching these updates. Looking forward to seeing these intentions converted to action. Also- I wonder if there's an opportunity for you guys to be a leader in alternative, more Eco-friendly stuffing? Now THAT'S something I'd be proud to wear.
Posted by: Alethea | 03/15/2013 at 02:58 PM
There is nothing ethical about any down products! It all comes from intelligent birds who have suffered horribly whether they have been used for meat, livers, whatever. There are alternatives. Stop exploiting animals for humanities whims!
Posted by: Hazel Howie | 03/15/2013 at 04:14 PM
Do the ethical thing and stop using down....change your company. It is 2013 and we need to fix and change everything we have done to these helpless creatures. Do not pay for the byproduct no matter how they are treated.
Posted by: Renee | 03/20/2013 at 06:05 PM