YKK continues to prioritise sustainability as the central element of its global business direction. The company has released its latest integrated report, This is YKK 2025, highlighting FY2024 achievements and strategic goals for FY2025. The initiatives reinforce the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, supporting a future grounded in climate neutrality and environmental harmony. The strategy aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across five focus areas: climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management and respect for people.
Koichi Matsushima, President of YKK Corporation, said, “Sustainability is not a slogan. It is a strategy. With our Net-Zero commitment and ONE YKK approach, we are transforming our business and strengthening the circular economy.”
Accelerating the Journey to Net-Zero
YKK aims to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by FY2050. The target has been validated under the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. The company is working toward a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from FY2018 levels.
Key progress highlights
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Reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57 percent, lowering overall emissions to 234,679 tonnes.
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Reduced Scope 3 emissions by 14.4 percent, totalling 747,276 tonnes across the supply chain.
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Renewable energy now accounts for 61.2 percent of total power use.
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Converted 45 global sites to 100 percent renewable energy, including full transition within China.
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Installed solar capacity at 34 sites after adding 7 new facilities.
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Began equipment upgrades to replace coal-based boilers and cut fossil fuel dependence.
YKK also received a CDP A List rating for the second consecutive year and earned its third Supplier Engagement Leader recognition.
Driving Circularity and Responsible Resource Use
YKK is advancing circular design, recycling and reuse to reduce resource waste and support closed-loop manufacturing.
Key achievements
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Increased use of sustainable materials to 48 percent, up 10 points year-on-year.
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Shifted 20 percent of packaging materials to sustainable alternatives.
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Raised the waste recycling rate to 93.9 percent.
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Promoted certified material sourcing through The Copper Mark and encouraged suppliers to seek approval.
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Introduced NATULON Plus with recycled PET open parts for garment-to-garment recycling.
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Launched Revived Renewal Components to extend product lifecycles.
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Conducted metal recycling trials for zipper alloys at the Kurobe Plant.
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Supported environmental activities including tree planting and community clean-ups.
Improving Water Management and Stewardship
YKK is investing in technologies that minimise water consumption and safeguard local ecosystems.
Progress updates
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Cut total water intake by 7.5 percent compared to FY2018.
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Installed production and recycling systems at 15 sites to reduce water use.
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Managed wastewater quality in line with ZDHC guidelines.
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Introduced water risk mitigation programs to protect communities.
Strengthening Chemical Safety and Supply Chain Compliance
YKK continues enhancing chemical safety across its global supply chain.
Notable steps
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Engaged 1,793 suppliers with updates to the Restricted Substances List 2024.
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Introduced RSL 2025 aligned with evolving expectations.
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Monitored compliance with OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and AFIRM RSL testing.
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Conducted ZDHC MRSL InCheck assessments across 17 facilities.
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Replaced non-compliant materials and launched a cross-functional compliance taskforce.
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Increased site inspections to prevent contamination risks.
Championing Fair Labor and Human Rights
YKK remains firmly committed to ethical workforce practices.
Key initiatives
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Introduced weekly monitoring for working hours across all factories.
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Conducted due-diligence assessments at 51 sites and third-party audits at 24 sites under the YGCC framework.
Looking Ahead
YKK encourages industry partners and customers to review detailed results in the 2025 Integrated Report and ESG Data Book. The company invites collaboration to shape a circular, responsible and net-zero future for the global apparel industry.
