Why YKK Is Changing Its Zipper Material
YKK Corporation announced this week it will begin transition from conventional aluminum alloy zippers to eco-friendly zippers which use low-carbon aluminum.
The Japanese fastener company entered into an agreement with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co., Ltd. to purchase the low-carbon aluminum beginning in fiscal year 2024. YKK will use the materials in aluminum alloy zippers and gradually expand their application.
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The transition reinforces company’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2025. The YKK Sustainability Vision 2050 set targets under the five themes of climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect people.
YKK is striving to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the company and across the YKK supply chain, with the goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50 percent and Scope 3 emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
Up to this point, YKK has been working to reduce GHG emissions by increasing the use of recycled materials like recycled polyester and plant-based materials in textile materials for zippers. However, the adoption of low-carbon aluminum as a material for zippers is one of YKK’s initiatives to achieve the reduction target for Scope 3 emissions.
YKK, which achieved for the first time the “A List” rating in the 2023 Climate Change survey conducted by the CDP earlier this year, is working toward accelerating its efforts to create a sustainable network. “We will continue to work with our business partners to reduce our environmental impact throughout the supply chain,” said Terry Tsukumo, VP of product strategy division, global sales headquarters, YKK Corporation.
