The Responsible Down Standard is an independent, voluntary global standard, which means that companies can choose to certify their products to the RDS, even if there is no legislation requiring them to do so. The RDS was developed over three years in close corporation with animal welfare organizations, industry experts, down suppliers, brands and retailers. The standard recognizes the best practices in animal welfare, and excludes those that violate the animal’s well being; live-plucking and force-feeding are strictly prohibited. The RDS is the most widely used animal welfare standard for down and feathers in the outdoor industry and continues to grow in home and bedding products.