YKK’s launches new products focusing on plastic and waste problems

In order to address the marine plastic problem, YKK- Japan-based world’s largest zipper manufacturer has launched 3 sustainably focused offerings in its Spring/Summer 2022 collection. These 3 products are AcroPlating- which uses environmentally friendly finishing for snaps and buttons; Natulon- which features taping made of recycled polyester yarn; and Vislon Nylon, a recyclable zipper.

YKK’s NATULON® Ocean Sourced™ collection of zippers are made from ocean-bound plastic. The plastic waste used is collected within 50 km of the coastline of Sri Lanka. Natulon series of YKK consists of recycled polyester yarn for the tape material and the collection features the GreenRise™ zipper which is the industry’s first zipper made with plant-derived components. The collection lowers petroleum usage by 30% and aims at lowering the company’s greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of plastic waste that is disposed of.

For environmentally friendlier finishing for snaps and buttons, YKK has launched AcroPlating which is said to have a significantly lower environmental impact than conventional plating. It also reduces the consumption of chemicals, water, thermal energy, and GHG emissions. The product is resistant to dry cleaning and corrosion and is manufactured in 6 colorways.

YKK’s Vislon Nylon is a recyclable zipper, which can be recycled without separating its components beforehand. The main feature of the product is that it is made entirely from polyamide and can be recycled together with the nylon garment on which it is sewn.

Product innovation team member for YKK Italia S.p.A, Saki Uesugi said that functionality is brought forehand from these products. They are not only focusing on color and shapes but also on material designing and manufacturing processes. They are building various technologies along with sustaining the familiar appearance so that more sustainable materials and manufacturing methods can be used.

To accommodate the growing digital demands of partners, the new sustainable collection will be presented in a virtual showcase. In order to demonstrate YKK’s new offerings more clearly, the digital presentation will include a 3D and color options simulator. During the pandemic, this new concept has taken a stronghold throughout the industry.