Clothing retailer H&M to phase out virgin down and feathers by end of next year

Swedish fashion retailer H&M will phase out its use of virgin down and feathers, which are harvested from ducks and geese and used in clothing such as puffer jackets and home decor including pillows by the end of next year.

“We aim to only use down and feathers from post-consumer recycled sources by the end of 2025,” H&M said in an emailed statement to Reuters Oct. 4.

Right now, around 90 per cent of the down and feathers in its products is recycled from used items, according to the company.

Animal rights activists applauded the move.

“The announcement comes after PETA’s appeals, including one from Joaquin Phoenix, as well as demonstrations at H&M stores around the world, shareholder resolutions, and letters from more than 150,000 supporters of the group and PETA international entities,” the group said in a statement.

“H&M to phase out use of virgin down and feathers by end of 2025,” Camile Labchuk, lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice posted on X. “This is great news for birds!”

Main photo: Down bomber jacket/H&M

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