The Down

-Upcycled feathers

Patagonia partnered with a European supplier to create a 700-fill power down jacket out of upcycled goose feathers. This process is known as “couchÃ©eâ€; garment workers receive recycled down products, “pluck” them open, and extract the feathers. Once cleaned, they’re tested by the supplier to meet the quality of virgin feathers.

Not only does this process decrease the demand for geese livestock and the butterfly effects of animal cruelty, but it also ensures we keep clothing/bedding out of landfills!

In 2013, 12 million tons of clothing and textiles reached American landfills according to the EPA. When these clothes begin to decompose, it releases methane and carbon dioxide into our atmosphere, pressing the gas on global warming.

The Outer Lining/Shell

-70% recycled polyester.

Patagoniaâ€™s recycled polyester comes from its Japanese textile partner, Teijin Frontier. Through their Eco Circle Fibers production, Teijin can break down plastic bottles into polyester with the same qualities and performance of the virgin polyester derived from oil.

Patagonia coats the Silent Down with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. Sadly, the chemicals from DWR eventually wash-off and negatively affect our environment. Patagonia is entirely transparent about their use of DWR and is investing in an alternative we look forward to seeing…