Moncler:BrandOverview

Key requirements that must be met at all levels of the supply chain include:

• down must be derived exclusively from farmed geese and as a by-product of the food chain;

• no live-plucking or force-feeding of animals is permitted.

Moncler’s down supply chain is particularly vertically integrated, and includes various types of entities: geese farms, slaughterhouses, the companies responsible for washing, cleaning, sorting and processing the raw materials. Moreover, the supply chain includes façon manufacturers, which, using the down, manufacture finished products. All suppliers must comply scrupulously with the Protocol, to ensure the traceability of the raw materials, respect for animal welfare and the highest possible quality throughout the down supply chain: from the farm to the down injection into the garments.

The DIST Protocol, defined taking into consideration the peculiarities of the supply chain structure, was the outcome of open, constructive engagement with a multi-stakeholder forum, established in 2014 that meets annually to review and reinforce the protocol. The forum considered the expectations of all the various stakeholders and ensured a scientific and comprehensive approach to the issue of animal welfare and product traceability.

Starting from 2023, the Protocol will be integrated with three specific modules on human rights, environment, and the DIST down recycling procedure.

The Protocol assesses animal welfare in an innovative way. Alongside a traditional approach that focuses on the farming environment, the DIST, following the European Union guidelines, also evaluates animal welfare through careful observation of “Animal-Based Measures” (ABM ).

Moncler is constantly involved in the on-site auditing process to certify compliance with the DIST Protocol. To ensure maximum audit impartiality:

• audits are commissioned and paid directly by Moncler and not by the supplier;

• certification is conducted by a qualified third-party organisation whose auditors are trained by veterinarians and animal husbandry experts from the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Milan;

• the certification body’s work is in turn audited by an accredited external organisation.

The presence of certified down in Moncler garments is guaranteed by the “DIST down certified” label.

In 2021, 136 audits were conducted by third-parties along the entire supply chain.

As another important step towards a more circular economy, Moncler started recycling DIST-certified down through an innovative mechanical process that requires 70% less water compared to traditional down recycling processes.

Stone Island is also committed to ensuring that the down used in its products is obtained with respect for animal welfare. The Company purchases only certified duck down according to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) protocol. Social and environmental pilot audits on the Stone Island supply chain will start from 2022. And starting in 2023, all suppliers of the Brand will have to be compliant with the social and environmental requirements verified through audits.