Our down has been fully traceable since 2014. We know exactly where the down comes from and can verify that it’s of the highest quality. The Fjällräven down supply chain is regarded as one of the most transparent down supply chains in the outdoor industry. Our Down Promise is regarded as the best in the industry by animal welfare organization Four Paws.
With the Fjällräven Down Promise, users can rest assured that we follow strict animal welfare practices for the lifespan of the birds. This means there is no live-plucking or force-feeding. At Fjällräven, the birds’ wellbeing is our top priority, followed closely by the high quality of the down.
What is the Fjällräven Down Promise?
Our Down Promise is built on strict guidelines for sourcing and handling our down. We have established 100% traceability in our down supply chain to have visibility from finished product down to the farm where the birds lived. You can read more about how our Down Promise came about on our blog, The Foxtrail.
How do you guarantee the down used in Fjällräven products meets the Down Promise?
Our down is stored separately in specially marked bags to avoid being mixed with other down during the processing phase. We have a team of auditors that oversee the process and conduct both announced and unannounced checks.
How does Fjällräven source it’s down?
As a byproduct of the food industry, our down comes from a single farm in China.
Does Fjällräven’s down carry a certification?
No, but our Down Promise is rooted in the Five Freedoms and we have a diligent auditing system. Our program is reviewed by Four Paws, an animal welfare organization. They found that our program is on par with (or in some cases, more rigorous than) other down certification standards.
What are The Five Freedoms?
The Five Freedoms are a set of Animal Welfare criteria developed in the UK in 1965, and are widely adopted by veterinarians, animal rights groups, and many international organizations. They state all animals have the right to:
1. Freedom from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from disease and injury
4. Freedom to express normal behavior
5. Freedom from distress and fear
You can read more about our Animal Welfare Policy in our Code of Conduct (specifically in Section 7).
How does Fjällräven know farmers are following The Five Freedoms?
Our suppliers must adhere to our Animal Welfare policy, which includes The Five Freedoms. We maintain a constant dialogue with our suppliers, visit the farms where the birds are raised, and work with suppliers to make improvements where needed.
Does Fjällräven’s down supply chain allow force feeding or live plucking?
No, both are strictly prohibited by our Down Promise.
Is down more climate friendly than other materials?
Though we have not conducted a full analysis of the CO2 emissions of down, its footprint is connected to the emissions from farming practices, which can be high. Our down is by-product of the food industry. By using it, we are providing an alternative to it being thrown away and that way the emissions are shared with the food industry. Down is a natural material that is an alternative to fossil-based materials.
Is Fjällräven planning to replace down with vegan alternatives?
We are always exploring new materials to find the most durable, functional, and lowest-impact options. We have incorporated synthetic insulation into many of our products as an alternative to down. This provides superior warmth in wet conditions. Some examples of products that utilize synthetic insulation include the X-Latt Jacket, Nuuk Parka, and Keb Padded Hoodie.
For more information about the down we use, please read the Down section on Our Materials page.