What is a "DOWN CLUSTER"?

Approved as IDFB International Term

In June 2000, the International Down and Feather Bureau (IDFB) added the term "DOWN CLUSTER" to the list of official IDFB terms.

The American Down Association (ADA) has also approved this term with the accompanying definition. The USA Association for Bedding and Furniture Law Officials (ABFLO) have also added "DOWN CLUSTER" to their official list of terms. The actual ABFLO definition for "DOWN CLUSTER" is still under review.

EN also uses a similar definition for Down Cluster.

The IDFB definition for Down Cluster is as follows:

DOWN CLUSTER = The group of components: down, nestling down, and plumule. (Down fiber and other components are specifically EXCLUDED.)

Note: Some have proposed a change in this terminology, reversing the definitions of "DOWN" and "DOWN CLUSTER".

The problem with switching the definitions is the world-wide, pervasive use of many related terms which refer to the three components: down, nestling down, and plumules.