By FY2050, we want to have zero net greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain.
Tokyo The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has confirmed that YKK Corporation’s long-term objective of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by FY2050 complies with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard. YKK Corporation is headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and is led by Hiroaki Otani. The textile, apparel, footwear, and luxury goods industries are the ones where the net-zero goal validation is found.
A corporate climate action group called the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) creates guidelines, standards, and tools that enable businesses to set goals for reducing their GHG emissions in accordance with what is required to keep global warming below catastrophic levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. A target is deemed “science-based” if it aligns with the most recent climate science’s assessment of what is required to achieve the Paris Agreement’s objectives, which include keeping global warming to 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels.
In March 2021, YKK obtained SBTi certification for its short-term goals of lowering absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% from a base year of FY2018 by FY2030 and lowering absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% in the same time frame.
YKK also received SBTi approval on December 2, 2024, for its long-term goals of lowering absolute scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 90% by FY2050 from a base year of FY2018 and lowering absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% in the same time frame.Through carbon absorption and removal, the remaining 10% of emissions in the net-zero aim must be brought down to zero.
YKK’s aggressive net-zero ambitions, which are presently the most ambitious certification attainable through the SBTi process, were praised by the SBTi.
“YKK continues its efforts to co-create a better future and places sustainability at the center of its management.” The realization of YKK’s CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy led to the achievement of SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard, which is evidence of our steadfast dedication to addressing climate change, stated Minoru Maeda, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Environmental and Safety Management Department, YKK Corporation. Realizing “better products at a lower cost and greater speed, more sustainably” is our goal at YKK. We strive for sustainability at every step of our business, from choosing eco-friendly materials to production, in order to continue being a socially conscious organization. We are using technological innovation to accelerate our efforts to reach net zero emissions. We shall keep up our hard work with our partner firms going forward.
Following the approval of its SBTi net-zero goals, YKK plans to expand and intensify its sustainability initiatives under the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050 and under the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® YKK philosophy, which highlights that “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others.” Visit YKK’s Sustainability Initiatives for further details.
