British outdoors clothing brand Rab has launched a "Down Collect and Recycle Scheme".
The service has been introduced at Rab UK headquarters – and there are hopes of expanding it globally.
Rab is owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd and the down recycling programme is another step towards a wider sustainability strategy. Last year, Equip was certified as climate neutral company and the company is committed to a goal of Net Zero by 2030.
Rab’s Microlight down range was also updated in 2020 to use 100% P.U.R.E. Recycled Down, alongside a wider range of products incorporating more recycled materials.
UK down recycling pilot for Rab
The Rab Down Collect and Recycle Scheme is offered in partnership with Minardi Piume, the team behind P.U.R.E. Recycled Down. P.U.R.E. is the first recycled down to be certified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).
Consumers can bring worn-out down products, such as down jackets and sleeping bags if no longer functional, to the recycling service at Rab HQ in Alfreton, Derbyshire. It is now possible to recycle down bedding, such as duvets and pillows, too.
After being washed, treated and graded for quality, the down can be used for new technical products. Other materials resulting from the collected items are processed and recycled offsite and Rab report that the service does not incur additional costs for end-consumers.
A Rab spokesperson said: "Down is naturally one of the best and most insulating materials in the world. By recycling it, it is possible to recapture a valuable material that would otherwise end up in landfill.
"The team at P.U.R.E. are experts in reclaiming down from post-consumer waste items and restoring it to high quality down, suitable for some of Rab’s most technical products."
