Three samples of the double duvets were found to have significant discrepancies between the actual filling content and the labelled claims that breached European Union (EU) regulations, as the Consumer Council tested 20 products available in the Hong Kong markets.
The tested products included six down duvets, four pure silk duvets, five synthetic fibre duvets, and five wool duvets.
The test focused on key aspects including the filling composition, washing and care performance, cover leak resistance, and flame retardancy.
The consumer watchdog found that two models labelled as containing 100 percent wool – “Cottex Antibacterial Wool Duvet” and “Polotex Pure Wool Comforter” – actually contained polyester fiber.
The actual wool content was only 50.5 percent and 23.1 percent, respectively, breaching the EU regulation, which requires the labelled composition of pure textile products exclusively composed of the same fibre to completely match the actual composition.
In another case, the “Collection de Chambre Natural Soy Bean Quilt (Winter)”, which claimed to contain 40 percent soybean protein fiber, actually tested at just 24.6 percent. This discrepancy of 15.4 percent also fails to comply with EU requirements.
Meanwhile, the council evaluated the quilts’ performance after washing them once and five times, respectively, following the care instructions on the labels as well as international standards.
The results showed that the width shrinkage rate for the “Royal Collection Premium White Goose Down Duvet Winter Weight” and the “IKEA STJÄRNBRÄCKA Warm Duvet” was about seven percent. IKEA’s sample also showed seam breakage in some areas.
Additionally, some of the filling material of the “Cottex Antibacterial Wool Duvet” leaked after dry cleaning.
In light of these findings, the council advises consumers to use a duvet cover for daily use and to wash it regularly to maintain hygiene. They should follow the care label instructions for washing and optimal maintenance.
