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Reducing the impact on the environment has been one of the guiding principles of YKK since 1994,
way before sustainability became an ever-present buzzword. The company’s founding philosophy
is the ‘Cycle of Goodness’, meaning that corporate responsibility, transparency and respect for the
world we live in define every business and management decision and reflect YKK’s ambition to
contribute to a sustainable society through its core business activities and products.
In every aspect of the value chain, from raw material procurement to the finished article, YKK
follows the most stringent ecological and ethical standards, considering not only the impact on the
environment, but also the health, safety, and human rights of its workers. As part of this, the
company regularly conducts evaluations to improve its sustainability efforts in line with its goals.
YKK is working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the manufacturing process. YKK has also
introduced a number of key steps to reduce environmental impacts, including the launch of ECO-
DYE®, a waterless Zipper Dyeing Technology which reduces the amount of water used in the zipper
dyeing process to almost zero.
YKK has also introduced a number of sustainable products, spearheaded by Natulon®, which are
resource-conserving, recycling-oriented zippers made from PET bottles, old fibre and other
polyester remnants. Natulon® is developed with 2 kinds of systems using both chemical and
material recycling and is designed to reduce the environmental impact through reduced energy
consumption, CO2 emissions, use of crude oil and industrial waste. Chemical recycled Natulon® zippers
are perpetually recyclable and therefore perfect for customers who want to increase the recycled
content of their products.
Natulon® will be showcased at various exhibitions throughout 2019, including Premiere Vision in
Paris, and Lineapelle in Milan, as well as the London Textile Fair.
