BWF To Trial Synthetic Shuttlecocks Due to Feather Shortage

By Danial Martinus • 09 Apr 2026 in News

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(source: Saif71.com / Unsplash & Aswadi Alias / New Straits Times)

The governing body for international badminton, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), will test out the use of shuttlecocks made with synthetic feathers amid a global feather shortage.

The trial will start off with a few grade three and junior international events as part of a wider, long-term strategy to determine the feasibility of synthetic shuttlecocks at more elite tournaments.

The feather shortage isn’t dire, but it won’t hurt to prepare early

A worldwide shortage of duck and goose feathers has caused the price of raw materials to skyrocket, though this was initially downplayed by BWF secretary‑general Thomas Lund last year. But why is there even a shortage in the first place?

If you, like this writer, had no idea the feathers on badminton shuttlecocks were actually real, then it might come as a surprise to you that it’s a very lucrative industry, with most of the world’s shuttlecock production taking place in China.

A side-by-side comparison of a regular shuttlecock (L) and a synthetic one (R). (source: Reddit)

But changing trends and habits have pointed to an increase in badminton participation among the Chinese population, which also means there are more shuttlecocks being sold in China than ever before.

According to state-owned newspaper, Global Times, badminton has become the most popular sport in the country. It could be due to its relatively low barrier of entry (with cheap rackets and shuttlecocks readily available), or the fact that it can be played just about anywhere, including your backyard.

“The trial will include the collection of manufacturer performance data, alongside feedback from players, technical officials, and event organisers,” the BWF said.