YKK Accelerates Circularity and Decarbonization Strategy

YKK is embracing circularity and decarbonization as core business strategies.

Last week the Japanese fastenings manufacturer published its latest integrated report, outlining its FY2024 achievements and FY2025 initiatives. According to the report, FY2024 net sales reached a record high of 433.1 billion yen, or approximately $2.7 billion.

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“For the fastening business, despite the uncertain business environment caused by global inflation, economic stagnation in Europe and China, and the impact of the change in administration in the U.S. on the global economy, measures such as efforts to respond to customer requests and improve on-time delivery performance proved successful, and sales remained strong, particularly in ISAMEA, ASEAN, and China,” the company stated in the report.

FY2024 sustainability highlights include obtaining validation by the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, recognition from the CDP Climate Change Program and a $53 million sustainability-related investment. Additionally, In August, the company revised its 2050 sustainability plan to include new KPIs to accelerate efforts to scale biodiversity and circularity.

“To adapt to changes in the market and environment and to achieve sustainable growth and a competitive advantage, we are actively investing in streamlining, sustainability, and digital transformation,” the company stated.

In FY2024, YKK increased its use of sustainable materials to 48 percent, marking a 10-point year-on-year improvement. In addition to launching repairable components and new Natulon Plus products that support garment-to-garment recycling, the company began in-house recycling trials at the Kurobe plant for copper and zinc alloys used in zippers.

The company reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 57 percent (compared to a FY2018 baseline) and reduced Scope 3 emissions by 14.4 percent. YKK transitioned 45 global sites to renewable energy and expanded solar energy capacity at seven facilities. It also initiated equipment upgrades to phase out coal-fired boilers and reduce fossil fuel.

YKK addressed its water consumption in FY2024, reducing total water intake by 7.5 percent compared to FY2018. However, the company saw its water intensity increase 3.2 percent year-on-year, citing “the use of water resources for environmental measures at the Kurobe Makino plant” as the main cause. The company installed new production and recycling facilities at 15 sites to lower water consumption and managed wastewater quality in accordance with ZDHC Wastewater Guidelines

YKK expanded its range of products made with the AcroPlating technology, a plating technology for brass that eliminates 100 percent of hazardous substances such as cyanide, chromium and selenium. The company reports that the percentage of units sold in the brass sliders category that were produced using AcroPlating technology increased to 27 percent in FY2024, an increase of three points year-on-year.

The company also updated its RSL for 2025 to better reflect “evolving social expectations and customer requirements.”