H&M Phases Out Virgin Down and Feathers

LONDON (Reuters) – Swedish clothing retailer H&M announced on Friday its plan to eliminate the use of virgin down and feathers, materials sourced from ducks and geese for puffer jackets, pillows, and other items.

H&M stated, “We aim to only use down and feathers from post-consumer recycled sources by the end of 2025,” noting that approximately 90% of the down and feathers in its products are currently recycled from used items.

Animal welfare groups, such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), have long campaigned for fashion brands to cease using down, leather, and other animal products. PETA activists even staged a protest in duck costumes at H&M’s annual shareholders’ meeting earlier this year.