H&M to phase out virgin down by the end of 2025

LONDON (Reuters) – Swedish clothing retailer H&M (ST:) said on Friday it plans to phase out its use of virgin down and feathers – materials that are harvested from ducks and geese and used in puffer jackets, pillows and other items.

“We aim to only use down and feathers from post-consumer recycled sources by the end of 2025,” H&M said in an emailed statement, adding that currently around 90% of the down and feathers in its products is recycled from used items.

Animal welfare groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have campaigned for years for fashion brands and retailers to stop using down, leather and other animal products.

PETA activists in duck costumes staged a protest against down at H&M’s annual shareholders’ meeting earlier this year.