RECYCLED DOWN
Down is a wonderful natural material that is well suited for re-use, as it is very durable. In a used duvet, the outer fabric might be damaged, whilst the down filling remains in good condition. By using recycled down, we reduce textile waste, while at the same time avoiding the environmental impact of extracting new natural resources.
After years of working with recycled down, JOHNNYLOVE partnered with Re:Down in 2024. As Re:Down is a European company with production both in Europe and China, they could give us better insight into and control of the recycling process.
JOHNNYLOVE buys a premium blend of 90% down and 10% feathers. The blend has a high fill power — meaning it has a high capacity for insulation in relation to its weight. The down is delivered to our jacket manufacturer in big bags. All down is GRS-certified.
THE RECYCLING PROCESS
Duvets and pillows from mainly hotels are collected and used as raw material. Research and development have now enabled Re:Down to effectively also recycle down from jackets. |
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Automated machines can now even process puffers without damaging the down, with minimal fiber contamination. Down filling usually consists of a proportion of down and a proportion of feathers. After extraction, the contents are sorted according to quality, and new mixtures suitable for different purposes are made. |
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The down is cleaned in an environmentally friendly process- no chemicals are used. Instead, the down filling is washed with soap, and sterilized in ahigh temperature drying process. |
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The down is tested with regards to purity, resilience and composition according to the International Down and Feather Laboratory and Institute’s (IDFL) standard. |
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Down that cannot be reused is converted to biological fertilizer - down is very nitrogen-rich. Textile waste is upcycled to non-woven insulation. |