More About Our Down
The down used in making Pillowpacker® pillows is among the best you can get, and we are delighted to be able to offer it in our products. All our down is produced by Feather Industries, the largest processor of feathers and down in Canada, and exceeds all Canadian and International cleanliness standards.
Down from Feather Industries is a by-product of the waterfowl meat industry. Feather Industries only buys feathers and down from farmers who follow their policies regarding the ethical treatment of animals, including but not limited to, no force feeding (and whenever possible, free-range fed) and absolutely no live plucking. No waterfowl are ever raised solely for the harvest of their down. Using down from livestock provides farmers with an additional source of income and reduces waste. Feather Industries buys feathers and down from the Canadian Hutterites and Brome Lake Duck, the two down sources in our down pillows.
Feather Industries uses eco-friendly processes to wash, clean and sanitize the down to the highest international standards. The by-products and cleaning agents are 100% biodegradable. The result is a product with a much lower carbon footprint than synthetic alternatives.
The adherence to these strict standards and the vigilance to ensure that all partners practice these ethical policies continue to make Canadian Feather Industries one of the most respected companies in the industry.
Down and its Benefits
Down is naturally very fluffy and light and has the marvellous ability to breathe and “wick away” body moisture. Down is the undercoating of waterfowl. Millions of light, fluffy filaments grow from a central quill point. Every ounce of quality down has about 2 million fluffy filaments that interlock and overlap, creating a three-dimensional structure that traps air and makes down desirable. The ability of these filaments to trap air is called “loft.” Down continually re-lofts and molds itself to the body without clumping. Because of its resilience, you can scrunch it up or flatten it out, and it will still bounce back to its original shape to maintain its warm and fluffy properties.
Concern for Allergies?
True allergies to goose and duck down are pretty rare. Most people who believe they are allergic to down are allergic to dust or dust mites. High-quality downs are thoroughly cleaned, with unique treatments to ensure the down is hypoallergenic. However, if you are concerned about allergies, please consider our 100% polyester Hypoallergenic MicroMax® Down Alternative Pillow. In all cases, follow our care instructions to ensure your pillows remain clean, fresh and hypoallergenic year after year.