A few days ago, yet another CSR-related media storm hit the Swedish press. According to TV4:s Kalla Fakta, several leading outdoor apparel (among them Fjällräven) as well as leading home furniture and bedding companies (IKEA among others – press release – in Swedish) have used down plucked from live geese for their products despite stating clear policies against this practice.
This may not strike the eco-aware as any big news as the question of sourcing ethical down has been raised and discussed on a wide range of forums in the past few years. But the impact on the affected brands is still harmful.
IKEA now offer refunds to those that feel discomfort because of the issue and are now taking a close look at their supply chain. Leading Swedish retailer Åhlens have pulled all down and feather products from their shelves until further notice (press release in Swedish).
And maybe even more interesting, Fjällräven – who was recently awarded Signum Priset 2009 for outstanding trademark management and protection – face even stronger competition from their strongest Swedish competitor Haglöfs use this CSR controversy at their advantage on their website stating that they do not use down plucked from live birds.
Whilst little is actually known from a scientific standpoint about the live plucking practice this little CSR issue still has the power to shake up a market.
For those interested in the practice of sourcing down in an ethical manner, small UK outdoor specialist Alpkit did some digging in May last year with very insightful results well worth reading to get a hand on view of the hardships of finding out what ethical sourcing actually requires.
Recycling down
Ethical down sourcing pt. 1
Ethical down sourcing pt. 2
