Why do ducks and geese sometimes undergo wax dipping during processing?

In poultry processing, wax dipping is utilized for waterfowl because their feathers are significantly more difficult to remove than those of other poultry.1

The process involves the following steps:

• After initial mechanical feather picking, the carcasses are dipped into a melted, dark-colored wax.1
• Once the wax hardens, it is peeled away, effectively pulling out any remaining feathers.1
• This procedure is typically performed twice.1
• The wax is then reheated and filtered to remove the feathers so that it can be reused.1

This method ensures a cleaner finish for ducks and geese, whose feathers are otherwise resistant to standard rubber-fingered picking machines.1