YKK NATULON® Zippers Reach 56% of Global Sales
YKK Corporation has reported a major milestone in sustainable fastening solutions. Its NATULON® zipper series accounted for 56% of global zipper sales in FY2025, up from just 3% in FY2019.
The company shared this progress in its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2026. The report covers business performance, sustainability results and future plans. It also highlights efforts to support garment recycling, repair and circular fashion.
NATULON® Zippers Support Sustainable Fashion
The NATULON® series uses recycled polyester in its zipper tape. In addition, selected products use recycled materials in other components. YKK has also expanded production across its global network while maintaining product quality and performance.
These efforts support the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050. The vision covers five key areas: Climate Change, Material Resources, Water Resources, Chemical Management and Respect People.
YKK President Koichi Matsushima highlighted the company’s progress in FY2025.
“Since formulating the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, we have continued to advance initiatives under its five themes. In FY2025, YKK was named to CDP’s Climate Change “A List” for the third consecutive year, and the NATULON® zipper series accounted for more than half of our global zipper sales volume. These results demonstrate progress while underscoring the work ahead, including further reductions in CO2 emissions and expanded use of renewable energy.”
New Zippers Aim to Improve Recycling and Repair
YKK is also developing fastening products that make garments easier to recycle and repair. For example, the NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ Zipper with Recycled PET Open Parts uses fibre-derived recycled PET in selected components.
The product is still under development. However, it aims to use more of the same material across its components. As a result, the zipper could be recycled more easily with the garment.
Meanwhile, YKK is expanding its revived renewal components. These parts allow users to repair zippers without replacing the entire fastening system. This approach can help extend garment life and reduce waste.
Both product initiatives have received international recognition. The NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ Zipper with Recycled PET Open Parts was selected among the Top 5 products in the Accessories category of the ISPO Textrends Awards 2025. In addition, Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® zippers received the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026.
YKK Promotes Circular Fashion Design
YKK introduced the Circular Design Special Award in FY2025. The award marked the 25th anniversary of the YKK Fastening Awards. It also aims to support young designers who can help advance circular fashion.
Kanade Konno of Bunka Fashion College won the new award and the Apparel category Grand Prix. The winning project, Re Tree, uses zippers to make garments easier to take apart and repair.
Through this initiative, YKK is encouraging designers to consider repair and reuse from the early stages of product development.
Key Sustainability Results in FY2025
YKK also reported progress across several areas of its sustainability strategy.
Climate Change: YKK secured a place on CDP’s Climate Change A List for the third year in a row. It was also named a CDP Supplier Engagement Leader for the fourth consecutive year.
Water Resources: Water intake fell by 19.4% compared with FY2018, reaching 9.234 million metric tonnes in FY2025. Meanwhile, four new water recycling facilities increased the total to 19 sites.
Chemical Management: YKK informed suppliers about its 2025 Restricted Substance List. The company also surveyed 1,798 companies to check compliance. In addition, it introduced InCheck reports for ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List assessments at 34 companies.
Respect for People: YKK completed self-checks at all 48 applicable locations. It also carried out third-party on-site audits at 21 locations under the YKK Global Criteria of Compliance.
Nature and Biodiversity: YKK began using the TNFD LEAP approach to assess its impact and links with nature. Through this process, the company is studying how its production sites in Japan and overseas connect with surrounding natural environments.
YKK Strengthens Its Circular Economy Efforts
Overall, This is YKK 2026 highlights the company’s progress and the work that remains. The growing share of NATULON® zippers shows how recycled materials are becoming more important to its business.
At the same time, repair-focused products and circular design initiatives support efforts to reduce waste. YKK will also continue working to lower CO2 emissions and increase renewable energy use.
The report and its accompanying Data Book provide further details on YKK’s financial performance, sustainability results and ESG activities.
Read the full report on the official YKK website.
