eendendons

Eendendons, literally duck down, is the insulating material derived from the soft undercoating of ducks. It consists of tiny plumules attached to barbs that trap air, creating a high warmth-to-weight ratio. Duck down is commonly graded by fill power, a measure of loft and insulating capacity, and by the down-to-feather ratio.

Sourcing and processing: Down is typically a byproduct of the poultry industry. After collection, the down is cleaned, sterilized, de-dusted, and sorted by size and quality. Higher-grade duck down features larger plumes and longer filaments, providing greater loft. It may be used alone or blended with synthetic fibers to adjust warmth, weight, and cost. Certifications such as the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) or Downpass exist to verify welfare and traceability.

Uses: The material is widely used in bedding such as duvets and pillows, and in outerwear including jackets and sleeping bags. It can be used as standalone down or mixed with other fibers, and is sometimes replaced with recycled down.

Care and durability: Down products require gentle washing with specialized detergents and thorough drying to restore loft. Avoid prolonged compression; store in a breathable bag. Down performance can degrade if contaminated with moisture or oils.

Environmental and ethical considerations: The sourcing of duck down has raised animal welfare concerns. Industry bodies and retailers increasingly require certifications to ensure humane treatment and transparent supply chains. Consumers may seek verified standards to assess sustainability and ethics.