What We Do
Since 1840 Birds have been used to support badminton.
A Bloodsport
Throughout history Birds’ feathers have been used for human entertainment
Badminton is the most played racket sport in the world. Played regularly by an estimated 339 million people worldwide. It is very popular in Asia, in countries like China, Singapore, India and Thailand.
Our Mission
ACE is currently researching the badminton industry and connecting with people in relevant organisations and institutions, such as Charities, Media and Scientists,
We believe it is possible to create a replica of the feather from Goose/Peking & Ducks used specifically for badminton since 1840, a very old traditional practice the same as when we used to use feathers for pens, which we call these days, animal cruelty for human entertainment., as badminton relies on there being a Bird in order to use their feathers, you can compare feathers to human nails/fingers currently.
The only way you can compete or play at a professional level is by using these feathers. The practices here are barbarous by modern standards. We are also aware that plastic shuttles are not desired or match the player’s requirements in playing badminton, for many reasons such as injury threat and control, therefore the switch will need to be a replication or as close to as the feather itself until more people experiment on natural materials evolving the shuttle until the one that makes the best cut is achieved.
We are fully aware of the cop-out announcement BWF made back in 2019, about making the conscious switch to synthetics going forwards….
“...the synthetic feather shuttle could reduce shuttlecock usage up to 25%, providing a significant environmental and economic edge for badminton going forward.”
No mention of the impact plucking feathers and slaughter processes has on the environment, Intensification of the poultry industry has led to multiple environmental impacts. Slaughterhouses release enormous amounts of waste into the environment, polluting land and surface waters as well as posing a serious human-health risk via spreading diseases. Poultry co-products and waste may contain up to 100 distinct species of micro-organisms, including pathogens, in contaminated feathers, feet, and intestinal contents. Antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones leaked into waterways are found highly likely to have long-term ecosystem effects.
Do you not agree
That a statement should have been made by BWF highlighting that its time has come to end this extreme practice of LIVE FEATHER PLUCKING illegal in Europe ?
‘Abattoir wastewater could significantly intensify the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and total solids in the receiving water body. Slaughtering houses are known globally to contaminate the environment either directly or indirectly from their several procedures.’
Instead of 25% why not say 100% by making a vegan shuttle that is Recyclable, Repairable & Reusable
Take a look at the article on BWF’s announcement - https://www.reuters.com/article/us-badminton-shuttle-idUSKBN1ZJ0CE
Old traditions die hard
As they are made by humans only humans can make the change
ACE wants to end the cruel practices towards all animals used for sports and to use the advanced technology we have to date to modernise and help sports become greener.
Unfortunately, it is not that simple even though we have enough evidence that this is a bloodsport BWF will continue to use the cruel practice until they have been caught out via video evidence, making this project a whole lot more ‘challenging’
So we are in need of inside knowledge, we are speaking to badminton professionals, coaches and players, understanding what they know about the feather industry, it is equally important to raise awareness within the very field as it is often dismissed or not addressed. Without the support of players, this will be a huge challenge.
So far all badminton players are outraged by the fact the process has been so well hidden and players are not wanting to be a part of the bloodshed yet they want to continue the game they love and have worked hard for.
The aim of the shuttlecock replica is to be Ethical, Recyclable, Repairable & Reusable; everything shuttlecocks are not today! also of course to replicate the feather’s flight and function, however, what if it was different, would that not be more fun?
The traditional feather shuttlecock has not been updated by BWF since the 1840s.
We have a great opportunity to be involved in updating badminton as the game has forever evolved.
so can we still agree that feathers is the main soul of the sport
We at ACE, love animals being able to live their lives freely. Birds should have their rights as living beings, to live as a bird should.
“The aim of this campaign is to protect the birds, get transparency, have BWF agree on updating the shuttlecock to a Vegan, Repairable, Reusable & Recyclable one for the future game of Badminton, bringing an equal alternative so everyone can be included ”
says Wild
Duck Off Project would ideally like to
Implement inclusion in time for the Olympics 2024In the long run, we would like feathers from live birds to be banned in retail/fashion and all industries as new alternatives become available