About Our Duvet Certifications
2023 Oct 26th
Certified Responsible
As Canada’s leading B Corp bedding retailer, our commitment to using sustainable, ethical, certified humane materials means you can rest easy and sleep responsibly. Get in the know by learning what our various down and wool certifications mean below:
Did you know?
It’s no secret that down is one of the most sought-after slumber layers thanks to its cloud-like comfort and superior insulation. Unfortunately, growing demand has made it hard for consumers to spot fakes, and the market is now saturated with synthetic products, or worse, those with questionable, concerning origins.
That’s why certifications are your key to choosing wisely!
What is DOWNMARK® Certified?
Established by the Down Association of Canada, the DOWNMARK® certification is a quality assurance and labelling system that independently verifies down and feather products as genuine, high-quality, and finished in Canada according to strict ethical standards. To become certified, companies must meet DOWNMARK®’s rigorous standards for quality, labeling, and packaging.
How it Works
Quality Control demanding products meet strict quality standards for down and feather-filled products; factors like fill power, loft, and cleanliness are all addressed. (Psst: you can learn more about we mean in our duvet blog)
Random Sampling authenticating quality and labelling accuracy by using mystery shoppers to purchase products to ensure standards are maintained, using third-party lab testing for complete objectivity.
Ethical Sourcing prioritizing ethical sourcing and animal welfare by prohibiting practices such as live-plucking and force-feeding.
Accurate Labelling encouraging all processors, manufacturers and retailers to comply with Canadian labeling standards by requiring products to correctly list the quality of down and feather filling.
What is the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)?
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a certification that ensures best practices for the welfare of duck and geese are followed in the production of down and feather products. Administered by the Textile Exchange — a nonprofit organization renowned for their dedication to promoting sustainability and responsible practices in the textile industry — the certification addresses animal welfare concerns and promotes transparency throughout the entire supply chain.
How it Works
Animal Welfare ensuring fowl are treated humanely throughout their lifetime, according to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare; practices that create unnecessary harm, injury, or suffering — for example, live-plucking and force-feeding — are prohibited.
Traceability requiring companies to maintain a fully transparent supply chain to ensure RDS standards are adhered to throughout.
Responsible Land Management monitoring various elements related to farm and water management and emphasizing responsible land and water use practices.
Conscious Collaboration incorporating the knowledge of farmers, animal welfare and land conservation experts, brands, and retailers from around the world to foster meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Did you know?
The Five Freedoms are a set of core principles outlining the fundamental rights and welfare necessities for animals. First proposed by the UK Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1965, these standards have since been widely adopted and recognized as a framework for ensuring the well-being of animals around the world.
What is DOWNPASS Certified?
DOWNPASS is a certification system indicating that products containing European down or feather materials meet the highest ethical standards for animal welfare and quality control. Similar to the RDS, this standard fosters transparency and consumer confidence in the sourcing and processing of goose and duck by-products by independently monitoring products and their supply chains.
How it Works
Zero Tolerance Standard upholding ethical practices by ensuring no down/feather fill comes from live animals (i.e. live plucking), foie gras farming, or during moulting season; recording and monitoring the care of young animals is required.
On-Site Inspections verifying sustainable production practices and the ethical treatment of animals by making several announced and unannounced visits every year.
Rigorous Documentation requiring proof-of-origin to ensure full transparency and traceability of the supply chain and individually labeled bags.
Quality Control conducting independent lab testing and mystery shopping to verify the condition of materials for consumer protection; audits must be renewed every two years to maintain certification.
Did you know?
If you don’t have time to read, check out our YouTube channel for videos about our certifications, sustainability initiatives, and much more!
What is the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)?
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a globally-recognized standard developed to ensure the welfare of sheep and the sustainability of wool production. Another measure implemented by the Textile Exchange, the RWS addresses various aspects of production, certifying that any wool used comes from farms that take a progressive, humanitarian approach to managing their land and animals.
How it Works
Animal Welfare prioritizing the ethical and humane treatment of sheep in accordance with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare (e.g. providing access to clean water and nutritious food, safe sheltering, and medical care)
Sustainable Land Management promoting responsible and progressive methods for pasture management (increasing biodiversity, reducing soil erosion, and protecting ecosystems).
Worker Protections upholding the health and safety of workers and their working conditions.
Traceability certifying the wool from farm to finished product, ensuring every stage of the supply chain abides by RWS guidelines.
Responsible Use of Chemicals protecting environment and worker health by restricting the use of certain chemicals known to cause harm .
How to Shop Certified Responsible Bedding
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on what each of these certifications mean, rest assured you’ll never have the wool pulled over your eyes about the quality and sustainability of your sleeping setup.
Ready to start snoozing with heart? QE Home offers certified responsible down and wool bedding to suit every sleeper:
DOWNMARK® Certified Duvets & Pillows
Prestige White Goose Down Duvet
Imperial Hungarian White Goose Down Duvet
Legacy Hutterite White Goose Down Duvet
DOWNPASS Certified Duvets
Cachet Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
Sierra Hungarian White Duck Down Duvet
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Duvets & Pillows
Prestige White Goose Down Duvet
Imperial Hungarian White Goose Down Duvet
Legacy Hutterite White Goose Down Duvet
Cachet Hungarian Goose Down Duvet
Sierra Hungarian White Duck Down Duvet
