In 2016, the International Down and Feather Bureau commissioned a white paper that assessed the origins of down and feather products. The report, titled, The Sustainable and Humane Practices of the Down and Feather Industry, concludes that the down and feather used in bedding, apparel and outdoor gear comes from ducks and geese raised for human consumption and that the material is simply a byproduct of the enormous global food industry.<br /><br />According to the n 2016, the International Down and Feather Bureau commissioned a white paper that assessed the origins of down and feather products. The report, titled, The Sustainable and Humane Practices of the Down and Feather Industry, concludes that the down and feather used in bedding, apparel and outdoor gear comes from ducks and geese raised for human consumption and that the material is simply a byproduct of the enormous global food industry.<br /><br />According to the report, approximately 2.7 billion ducks and 653 million geese were raised for consumption globally from 2009-2013, resulting in an estimated 410 million pounds (186 million kilograms) of excess down and feathers each year. These materials, which would otherwise serve only as a waste product, are then cleaned and sanitized for use in products like pillows, comforters, duvets, mattress toppers, winter jackets and outdoor sports gear, instead of contributing to worldwide landfill issues.report, approximately 2.7 billion ducks and 653 million geese were raised for consumption globally from 2009-2013, resulting in an estimated 410 million pounds (186 million kilograms) of excess down and feathers each year. These materials, which would otherwise serve only as a waste product, are then cleaned and sanitized for use in products like pillows, comforters, duvets, mattress toppers, winter jackets and outdoor sports gear, instead of contributing to worldwide landfill issues.