Eiderdown is one of the warmest, lightest, and most luxurious types of down, and there are several reasons for its high price: Source of Eiderdown: Eiderdown is the down feather of the eider duck, specifically the common eider. Unlike other down, eiderdown is not a byproduct of the meat industry. The eider duck is a protected species in many countries, and the down is hand-collected from the nests without harming the birds. Once the eider ducks leave their nests, the down is harvested, ensuring that the process is humane and sustainable. Labor-Intensive Collection: Because of the hand-collection method, it's a labor-intensive process. Collectors often work in challenging environments, such as remote islands, to gather the down, adding to its cost. Rarity: The quantity of eiderdown collected annually is significantly less than that of other down feathers, making it a rare commodity. Each duck only provides about 15-20 grams of down a year. To make one comforter, you would need the down from numerous nests. Unique Properties: Eiderdown has unique insulating properties. It has a higher fill power (a measure of the loft or "fluffiness" of down products), which means it offers superior warmth with less weight. Eiderdown also has a unique clinginess, which allows the individual plumes to stick together, reducing cold spots in duvets or jackets. Cleaning and Processing: Cleaning eiderdown is also a meticulous process to ensure that only the finest and purest down makes it into products. This process adds to the overall cost. Quality and Longevity: Products made from eiderdown tend to be of high quality and can last for decades with proper care. This longevity can justify the initial investment for some buyers. In summary, the high price of eiderdown is a result of its rarity, the labor-intensive and sustainable collection process and its unique properties.