YKK to transition to low-carbon aluminium
Japanese zip making group YKK Corporation will begin purchasing alloy wires that use low-carbon aluminium, with the aim of making a staged transition from conventional aluminium alloy zips.
YKK has adopted the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050, its sustainability goals for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and set targets under the five themes of climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and people.
YKK has been working to achieve 10 of the SDGs which are related to each of these themes. For the theme of climate change, under the 1.5°C target recognized by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), YKK is striving to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the company and across the YKK supply chain, with the goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 50% (compared to 2018) and Scope 3 emissions by 30% (compared to 2018) by 2030. The adoption of low-carbon aluminium as a material for zippers is one of YKK’s initiatives to achieve the reduction target for Scope 3 emissions.
Terry Tsukumo, vice-president of product strategy at YKK, said: “Up to this point, YKK has been working to reduce GHG emissions by increasing the use of recycled materials and plant-based materials in textile materials for zippers and switching to eco-friendly products. In addition to this, low-carbon aluminum is a new YKK initiative to reduce the environmental impact of metal materials used for zippers. We will continue to work with our business partners to reduce our environmental impact throughout the supply chain."
