ByFlora Snelson, BBC Sport journalist, 8 April 2026: Badminton’s world governing body has approved the use of synthetic shuttlecocks in selected tournaments amid a shortage of duck and goose feathers, driven by bird flu, the sport’s growing popularity, and a rebound in pork consumption in China, where most shuttlecocks are manufactured.
In response, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced a trial of synthetic shuttlecocks in grade three and junior international tournaments as part of an ongoing review of their potential use at elite level. The trial will collect manufacturer performance data and feedback from players, technical officials, and event organisers.
Traditional shuttlecocks are made from 16 feathers taken from a single wing to ensure the correct flight and spin, since feathers from different wings curve differently.
China remains the leading producer, but poultry production has declined in recent years due to bird flu outbreaks and a return to pork after the 2018 African swine fever outbreak. The sport has also grown in popularity in China, increasing demand.
Last year the BWF played down concerns about the feather shuttlecock market while outlining its strategy to explore alternatives. “We recognise the global supply chain challenges and the rising prices for feathered shuttlecocks affecting badminton communities around the world,” said BWF secretary general Thomas Lund. “Our testing and trialling programmes for the production and introduction of synthetic shuttlecocks in competition and social-use, in collaboration with manufacturers, remain in place and are a core part of our sustainability strategy for the future.”
