Environmental Policy
Guided by the philosophy of the CYCLE OF GOODNESS®, summed up in the motto “no one prospers without rendering benefits to others”, YKK® continues to be at the forefront of responsible business action.
In 1994, pursuing “harmony with the environment” as a top priority for all its commercial activities, YKK® issued the Environmental Charter and offered NATULON® to the market, the first zipper made with recycled material.
Since then, YKK® has been researching and choosing sustainable behaviors, processes and products, in all circumstances.
Recently, in 2020, the “Charter of the fashion industry for climate action”, promoted by the United Nations, set a target of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2050. In March of the same year, the YKK Group proudly joined the project and is continuing its efforts to achieve this goal.
The commitment was formally reconfirmed in October 2020 with the launch of Sustainability Vision 2050, the company’s roadmap to tackle climate change, protect material and water resources, and rethink chemical management and human rights.
With Sustainability Vision 2050, YKK® aligns its goals on no less than ten UN SDGs. YKK Corporation’s emissions reduction targets were approved by the independent Science Based Targets (SBTi) initiative in March 2021 as consistent with the levels required by the Paris Agreement, to continue efforts to limit global warming to less than 1.5 ° C.
From a product point of view, YKK® is refining and increasing the use of various environmentally friendly technologies and more sustainable materials, developing collections in which the principles of circularity, resource reduction, reuse and recycling guide customers towards concrete solutions in the sustainable approach to production, without sacrificing quality, great value, or the durability of each product.
Sustainability vision 2050
In October 2020, we formulated the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050 which sets numerical targets for the Fastening Business from the 2019 YKK Group Environmental Vision 2050. As part of this, we have set targets under five themes: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect people, and are carrying out activities that will contribute to achievement of the 2030 SDGs as well as carbon neutrality by 2050.
Climate change
Tackle GHG emissions & increase use of renewable energy.
In order to combat global climate change, YKK® is committed to reaching greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that are required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, which is to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and aim to confine warming to 1.5°C.
Material resources
Increase use of sustainable materials.
YKK® will reduce waste and the use of petroleum derived materials throughout the lifecycle of our fastening products. We will contribute to the transition to a circular society by reducing production and plastic waste and developing products designed for circularity.
Water resources
Reduce water use & manage wastewater.
To combat serious water resource depletion and degradation, YKK® will reduce its water intake and strictly manage wastewater.
Chemical management
Manage & reduce chemical usage.
To ensure a healthy environment for future generations, YKK® will reduce the environmental impact caused by chemicals used in the manufacturing process of our products.
Respect people
Uphold human rights & ensure fair, safe work environments.
YKK® believes in the universal philosophy of respecting the dignity and rights of all human beings and is committed to contributing to a diverse and sustainable society.
YKK Italia sustainability initiatives
In line with the objectives of YKK Corporation’s Sustainability Vision 2050, YKK Italia is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products, processes and organisation through various sustainability initiatives.
Here are some of the most important initiatives.
Water management Initiatives
We reduce water consumption by installing centrifugal dyeing machines that save about half the water consumption.
To guarantee water quality, YKK Italia wastewater is managed in accordance with government regulations and YKK® in-house standards established based on industry standards such as Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC).
From 2023, a photovoltaic system allows YKK Italia to further reduce direct emissions.
However, all emissions due to the combustion of natural gas, such as those generated by boilers and co-generators, are offset through the purchase of CERs (a type of carbon credit).
To reduce scope 2 emissions, all electricity purchased by YKK Italia comes 100% from renewable sources, certified according to UNI EN ISO 14064.
YKK Italia’s plastic packaging is made from recycled material (50% to 95%).
All cellulose packaging and printing paper are also made from recycled materials (64% to 100%). The virgin cellulose portion is FSC® certified. More detailed information can be found on our website under packaging environmental.
Further sustainability activities
Protecting biodiversity
YKK Italia installed two beehives around the Prarolo factory in collaboration with the professionals from apicolturaurbana.it. A small action to generate a positive impact and to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Networking for change
YKK Italia, together with leading fashion companies, is part of the multi-stakeholder project Monitor for Circular Fashion born with the scientific contribution of the SDA Bocconi Sustainability Lab. The aim is to contribute to the transition towards circular business models through concrete and measurable solutions.
In partnership with Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI)
In 2021, YKK Italia consolidated its commitment to sustainability by contributing to the publication of “GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES – GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF CHEMICALS IN THE FASHION MANUFACTURING SUPPLY CHAIN”, the Guide drawn up by CNMI, in collaboration with Associazione tessile e Salute, SMI – Sistema Moda Italia, Federchimica, UNICO – Unione Nazionale Industria Conciaria, and Quantis Italy, that regulates the use of mixtures and chemical substances in the fashion industry’s production chains. YKK’s scientific knowhow has enabled the completion of the document with a dedicated section to accessories. This section aims to assist companies in implementing criteria and controls that enable them to produce high-quality products that meet the most advanced sustainability requirements.
