Closing the Loop:

How Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Are Leading the Way in Textile § Down Collection

Every year, millions of down-filled products—duvets, pillows, winter jackets—reach the end of their life. But what happens next? Too often, they end up in landfills or incinerators, wasting valuable natural resources.

At Re:Down, we’re on a mission to change that.

Across Europe, we partner with collection systems to rescue discarded down products and transform them into high-quality recycled down—giving these materials a second life.

Featured image Desktop CLOSING THE LOOP 1920x1080 1

No matter where you live, the first step is the same:
« Letting go of the old to make room for the new ».

But what happens next depends on where you live…

How Down Products Are Collected in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Across Europe, countries have developed their own textile waste collection systems, guided by the EU Waste Framework Directive (source: EU Waste Framework Directive ). Among them, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland stand out for their particularly efficient down-recycling efforts. While their approaches share common principles—such as prioritizing reuse, convenient collection systems, and partnerships with brands—each country has developed its own unique strategies.

A Shared Commitment to Circularity:

Public Textile Bins & Recycling Centers – Accessible drop-off points allow consumers to dispose of old bedding, jackets, and pillows.
Curbside Collection & Bulk Collection Days – Various municipalities in provide scheduled pickups or designated collection events.
Retailer Take-Back Initiatives – Brands actively encourage customers to return used down products for recycling.
Reuse Before Recycling – Across all three countries, products that can be reused are prioritized, reducing overall waste.

And some Distinct Approaches to Collection:

map germany austria switzerland high detailed

Germany has one of Europe’s most structured collection networks, emphasizing a “reuse-first” approach before recycling non-reusable down products.
Austria is known for its exceptionally high textile recovery rates, supported by strong brand collaborations and nationwide bulk collection days.
Switzerland follows a strict zero-landfill policy, ensuring that all collected down is either reused or fully recycled, with robust NGO and industry partnerships supporting circularity.

Through these well-developed systems, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland set the benchmark for sustainable down recycling, demonstrating how thoughtful policies and industry collaboration can turn waste into valuable resources.

What Happens After Collection?

Once collected, discarded down products enter Re:Down’s recycling process, here are the main steps:

Sorting: Visual sorting by down quality
Extraction: The down and feathers are taken out of the fabric shells
Machine sorting: Down and feathers are separate to reach a targeted content
Washing and Sterilizing: Down and feathers are washed and sterilized using our water-saving, chemical-free process.
Quality controlled: our internal laboratory check that we meet all IDFL standards
Reused in new products: The recycled down is then integrated into jackets, bedding, and outdoor gear—offering the same quality as virgin down, but with a lower environmental footprint.

Check our recycling process: https://re-down.com/our-recycling-processes/

From Old to Gold: The Re:Down Philosophy

At Re:Down, we believe that every feather tells a story. But our story isn’t just about warmth, comfort, or performance—it’s about giving new life to what was once forgotten.

Imagine this: An old down jacket, worn and loved for years, or a duvet that has provided warmth through countless winters, finally reaches the end of its life. Instead of being discarded, it’s collected, sorted, cleaned, and transformed into something brand new.
This is the magic of recycled down, and it’s at the heart of everything we do.
At Re:Down, we asked ourselves:

What if we could turn waste into something beautiful?

The answer?

A circular solution that reduces waste, saves natural resources, and keeps down-filled products in use for years to come.

Join the Movement: A Future Without Waste

At Re:Down, we’re more than just a supplier—we’re a movement. A movement toward a future where waste is a thing of the past, and every product tells a story of renewal and hope.
Whether you are a brand looking to make a difference or a consumer choosing sustainable products, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can turn old into gold and create a world where nothing goes to waste.

Our Goal: ZERO WASTE
But, … OUR JOURNEY DOESN’T STOP HERE…

We’re about to take the next step in circular innovation with the launch of:
Re:Wool, Our new chapter in recycled wool

Stay tuned for all the details in our next newsletter!