YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA zipper series using nonwoven fabric sheets made from recycled clothing and other textile waste.

The concept zipper was created through a collaboration between fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation, and YKK. Proposed by Nakazato, the zipper was featured in the latest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was presented in Paris, France, on July 8, 2026.

The project used nonwoven fabric sheets produced with Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology (DFT), marking the first time these regenerated sheets have been used as zipper tape. Since conventional manufacturing methods were not suitable for the material, the development team carried out extensive testing to ensure secure attachment of the zipper elements.

Additional improvements included selecting a slider compatible with the stiffness of the nonwoven tape and enhancing the zipper’s overall functionality and ease of use.