Japanese Zipper Giant YKK Launches New Green Zipper

To provide solutions to marine environmental pollution, in January 22nd, Japan YKK Co. announced the launch of the new NATULON Ocean Sourced. Gamma A series of plastic zippers, the raw materials of this series of zippers mainly come from the waste plastic products collected within 50 kilometers along the coast of Sri Lanka. It is understood that NATULON Ocean Sourced Gamma A series of plastic zippers were unveiled at the sporting goods fair in Munich, Germany in from January 26th to 29th. The official launch date will be in the spring of 2020.

For the new product, Takashi Tsukumo, vice president of YKK, said: "NATULON Ocean Sourced Gamma The series products will continue to maintain high quality as before, no difference from previous polyester zippers in terms of durability and functionality. However, due to NATULON Ocean Sourced Gamma Plastic is made of waste plastic products along the coast, so the carbon dioxide emissions produced in the production process are less and the energy consumption is less. " According to statistics, since 2013, carbon dioxide emissions from all the production bases of YKK have been reduced by 6% (data update to January 20, 2020).

According to statistics, about 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, of which 80% of the plastic waste is from the land to the sea. Millions of birds and fish are negatively affected by marine waste. About 57000 to 135000 whales are entangled in abandoned fishing nets and other plastic wastes every year. Therefore, preventing plastic from entering the sea is the most effective way to eliminate marine plastic pollution.

YKK has always been committed to environmental protection work, the company adhering to the "Cycle of Goodness" business philosophy. In 1994, YKK CEO signed an environmental protection undertaking. In 1995, YKK launched the first NATULON zipper series zipper, which is made from waste PET bottles and polyester residue. In the 20 years of development, YKK has also developed many exclusive technology and sustainable development products.

The purpose of NATULON series products is to reduce carbon emissions, reduce the use of toxic substances and waste water resources. In addition to the recently launched NATULON Ocean Sourced Gamma Outside the zipper, YKK previously launched GreenRise Gamma The zipper is the first product in the industry to use plant based polyester as raw material, which successfully reduced oil consumption by 30%. At the same time, YKK launched organic cotton zipper and the first generation NATULON zipper, each production of 10 thousand zippers (each 60 cm long) can be recycled about 3600 plastic bottles (29 g / bottle).

Besides zippers, YKK's products include plastic hardware, adhesive tape, buttons and so on.