YKK Corporation embarks on green transition: Introduces low-carbon aluminium zippers

Japan-based YKK Corporation, a renowned global manufacturer of fastening products, has announced its plans to shift towards eco-friendly zippers by adopting alloy wires made from low-carbon aluminium. This strategic move aligns with the company's goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as outlined in its Sustainability Vision 2050.

To achieve this, the company has partnered with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co., Ltd., signing a contract for using low-carbon aluminium. Starting in fiscal year 2024, YKK will commence purchasing the low-carbon alloy wires for their aluminium zippers.

This marks the beginning of a staged transition from traditional aluminium alloy zippers to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. The company intends to gradually expand the use of these eco-friendly materials in its products, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.

The manufacturer highlighted that incorporating low-carbon aluminium into their zippers is a part of their efforts to meet the reduction target for Scope 3 emissions. This initiative represents their commitment to addressing the environmental impact of their supply chain and product lifecycle.

Embracing Sustainability Vision 2050

YKK Corporation has embraced its Sustainability Vision 2050, outlining its ambitions for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Targeted goals are set across five key themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respecting people. The company emphasized its alignment with the 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that correspond to these themes.

YKK Corporation is not just committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but it is actively working towards the 1.5°C target recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This proactive stance in combating climate change is a testament to the company's dedication to sustainability. YKK aims to decrease Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50 per cent (compared to 2018 levels) and Scope 3 emissions by 30 per cent (compared to 2018 levels) by the year 2030.

YKK emphasized its collaborative approach, intending to partner with customers and suppliers to achieve these emission reductions. This includes developing and expanding eco-friendly products and technologies, highlighting their commitment to driving progress towards a sustainable society.

Terry Tsukumo, vice president of the product strategy division at global sales headquarters, YKK Corporation, stated, “Up to this point, YKK has been working to reduce GHG emissions by increasing the use of recycled materials and plant-based materials in textile materials for zippers and switching to eco-friendly products. In addition to this, low-carbon aluminium is a new YKK initiative to reduce the environmental impact of metal materials used for zippers. We will continue to work with our business partners to reduce our environmental impact throughout the supply chain.”