YKK Innovations Earn Recognition at ISPO Textrends 2026
YKK Corporation has received two recognitions at ISPO Textrends 2026 for its latest fastening and repair innovations. The company’s 3D Printed Snap Cap won Best Product in the Accessories category. Meanwhile, its Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® AquaGuard® received an ISPO Textrends Selection in the same category.
Held twice a year alongside the ISPO exhibition in Amsterdam, ISPO Textrends recognises innovative performance textiles, components and apparel.
3D Printed Snap Cap Wins Best Product
The 3D Printed Snap Cap combines YKK’s snap button manufacturing expertise with Variloom’s on-demand print-to-shape fabrication system.
The product uses Variloom’s customisable materials and 3D printing process. As a result, it can remove the need for conventional moulds and minimum order quantities (MOQs). It also allows brands and designers to explore greater customisation, including complex textures and details that traditional manufacturing methods may find difficult to achieve.
In addition, the product combines Variloom’s materials with Sulapac’s bio-based wood composite material. Its design takes inspiration from organic forms found in nature. This approach aims to create a natural look and feel while maintaining structural strength.
According to Sulapac’s material specifications, more than 55% of the snap cap insert comes from bio-based materials. These include wood composite material and cotton fibres, alongside thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
However, the 3D Printed Snap Cap remains a concept item developed for ISPO Textrends. YKK has not yet confirmed its commercial availability.
Repair Innovation Receives ISPO Textrends Selection
YKK’s Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® AquaGuard® also received recognition in the Accessories category.
The repair solution allows users to replace only the damaged or missing elements of a VISLON® AquaGuard® zipper. This removes the need to replace the entire zipper. It can also help brand repair centres and other facilities improve repair efficiency while reducing zipper waste.
Last year, YKK’s Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® received an iF DESIGN AWARD. That solution focused on VISLON® zippers. Now, the AquaGuard® version has earned an ISPO Textrends Selection, which highlights material and product trends for the sports and outdoor industries.
By making repairs easier, YKK aims to extend product life and support more efficient resource use. The company plans to launch the replacement elements in January 2027.
YKK Reaffirms Focus on Innovation
Commenting on the recognition, Yasuhiro Sato, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK Corporation, said:
“We are truly honored by these awards, which we see as recognition of YKK’s commitment to innovation. Going forward, YKK will continue to strive to enrich people’s lives through innovation while contributing to solutions for the environmental challenges facing the textile industry.”
