YKK Fastening, the fastening products group of Japan-based YKK Corporation, is working toward a sustainable society in cooperation with customers, employees and local communities.
To achieve the goal, YKK divides its focus on sustainability into four parts—procurement, manufacturing, product, and community sustainability.
Under Procurement Sustainability, YKK has been working with suppliers on sustainable sourcing since 2013, on the basis of YKK Group Procurement Policy.
Under Manufacturing Sustainability, YKK says that it intentionally does not use most of the 11 hazardous chemicals listed by ZDHC Group, a very limited number of its products still contain some of these chemicals. YKK is currently working to fully eliminate the priority hazardous chemicals from the manufacturing process.
In addition, YKK is using Higg Index 2.0, a self assessment tool, developed by Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), to evaluate the environmental and social impact of its factories.
To reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) such as toluene and xylene in its production, YKK installed VOC treatment machinery in 1997. Furthermore, YKK conforms to each country’s applicable environmental laws pertaining to wastewater treatment standards, according to the company’s website.
YKK has also made improvements to its dyeing technology, which have enabled it to reduce the amount of steam used for dyeing by 25 per cent and wastewater by 50 per cent.
Under Product Sustainability, some of YKK fastening products have achieved Oeko-Tex Certification—a globally uniform testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and final products at all stages of production. The products include NATULON Chemically Recycled Fastener and NATULON Material Recycled Fastener.
Under Community Sustainability, YKK participates in education and community development projects. The company also engages in several other activities such as the promotion of international exchange. The activities include environmental education assistance, community medical support, regional crisis support, environmental clean-up activities, educating the next generation, and community development assistance. (RKS)
