YKK
YKK 
Working to address the problem of marine plastic, the manufacturer of fastening products, YKK Corp, Tokyo/Japan, one of the world’s largest producers of zippers, has announced its new Natulon Ocean Sourced collection of zippers made from ocean bound plastic. This premium collection of zippers is made from plastic waste that has been collected within 50 km of the coastline of Sri Lanka.
The upcycling of ocean bound plastic into Natulon Ocean Sourced zippers emits less CO2 and requires less energy to produce than zippers made out of virgin polyester. Indistinguishable from zippers made of virgin polyester, they offer the same strength, durability, and functionality as conventional zippers.
YKK’s collection of sustainable trims is aimed at reducing carbon emissions, toxic chemicals, and water use. In addition to Natulon Ocean Sourced, the collection features the GreenRise zipper, the first in the industry to use plant-based polyester, thereby achieving a 30% reduction in petroleum usage, organic cotton zippers, and the original Natulon zipper, which recycles approx. 3,600 plastic bottles (29 g/bottle) per 10,000 zippers (60 cm length).
Also included in the collection are zippers made using the company’s Eco-Dye dyeing technology, which has completely eliminated the usage of water in the dyeing process, and environmentally friendly snaps and buttons made using Acro-Plating, a new plating technology that uses fewer resources to manufacture and does not use harmful plating chemicals.
The Natulon Ocean Sourced collection will debut at Ispo Munich from January 26-29, 2020 in Munich/Germany and The Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show from January 29-31, 2020 in Denver, CO/USA.
YKK’s collection of sustainable trims is aimed at reducing carbon emissions, toxic chemicals, and water use. In addition to Natulon Ocean Sourced, the collection features the GreenRise zipper, the first in the industry to use plant-based polyester, thereby achieving a 30% reduction in petroleum usage, organic cotton zippers, and the original Natulon zipper, which recycles approx. 3,600 plastic bottles (29 g/bottle) per 10,000 zippers (60 cm length).
Also included in the collection are zippers made using the company’s Eco-Dye dyeing technology, which has completely eliminated the usage of water in the dyeing process, and environmentally friendly snaps and buttons made using Acro-Plating, a new plating technology that uses fewer resources to manufacture and does not use harmful plating chemicals.
The Natulon Ocean Sourced collection will debut at Ispo Munich from January 26-29, 2020 in Munich/Germany and The Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show from January 29-31, 2020 in Denver, CO/USA.
