Ducky Dons, a manufacturer of comforters and pillows based in Ermelo, has published its 2025 Impact Report. The report provides an honest and forward-looking picture of the company’s social impact and was prepared in accordance with the principles of the VSME, the European standard for sustainability reporting by small and medium-sized enterprises. Empact collaborated with the Ducky Dons team on the preparation of the report.
61% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025
In 2025, Ducky Dons achieved a 61 percent reduction in direct CO2 emissions compared to 2024, in part by purchasing 100 percent green electricity and further electrifying its vehicle fleet. In addition, the company incorporated 112,538 kilograms of recycled down into new products. This meant that 41 percent of all down used was of recycled origin, putting the company on track to reach its 2030 goal of 50 percent. All cotton is now also sourced from 100 percent sustainable sources. These figures demonstrate what the circular economy looks like in practice at a manufacturing company.
What makes the report strong is its tone. Ducky Dons is open about what’s going well and what could be improved. For example, the company notes that scaling up the use of recycled down depends primarily on the market’s perception of quality, and that recycling used down jackets remains technically complex. That honesty makes an impact report credible to customers, retailers, and other stakeholders.
Partnership Between Ducky Dons and Empact
The report is a collaborative effort. The content was written jointly by Empact and Ducky Dons. Empact also handled the design: Our partner, Lunette Design, was responsible for the graphic design. We previously shared the client’s story about the practical process that led up to this report.
With this report, Ducky Dons demonstrates that, as a medium-sized company, you don’t have to wait for regulatory requirements to be transparent about your value chain, your due diligence process, and your performance. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that want to get started on this themselves, the VSME offers a clear and manageable framework. You can read more about this in our interview with Derk Jan Berends.
Looking Ahead to 2026
For Ducky Dons, this report serves as a progress update. The plans for 2026 are therefore already being implemented: from the introduction of an updated Responsible Business Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct to participation in the European pilot program for the digital product passport. Step by step, the company continues to build toward its ambition of becoming the most sustainable manufacturer of high-quality comforters and pillows in the Benelux.
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nick, Roel, and the entire Ducky Dons team on this report and, above all, on the achievements behind it. After all, writing a report is one thing, but achieving the results outlined in it is what really matters.
Want to read the full report? Read Ducky Dons’ 2025 Impact Report here.
Is your organization interested in creating an impact report or VSME report? Check out our VSME consulting service or contact us.