YKK’s new annual report shows substantial results in sustainability

YKK Corporation’s annual integrated report This is YKK 2022 has shown significant improvement in its sustainability efforts.

The report includes the company’s progress during fiscal year 2021 under the five themes of  YKK Sustainability Vision 2050 – Climate Change, Material Resources, Chemical Management, Respect for People and Water Resources.

The report on medium-term management strategies which aims at value creation for long-term sustainable growth and sustainability initiatives for YKK’s fastening business revealed 18.2 per cent reduction in Scope 1, 2 GHG emissions, and 15.1 per cent reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions from a FY 2018 baseline.

11 plants of YKK worldwide are currently operating on 100 per cent renewable energy, as reported by YKK.

As far as material resources is concerned, the use of sustainable materials (such as recycled or plant-derived materials) in zipper textiles has increased by 13 per cent (up 7 points year-on-year), while sustainable packaging usage has increased by 3.3 per cent on Y-o-Y basis.

Furthermore, the landfill waste has been reduced by 272 tonnes year-on-year by YKK, while waste resource conversion rate has increased to 87 per cent (up 3.7 points year-on-year).

The report also shows substantial increase in water resource management. 7.5 per cent reduction in total water intake by all manufacturing sites (from a FY 2018 baseline) has been achieved.

“Implemented wastewater management using voluntary control standards is stricter than government regulations,” says YKK in a statement.

The company has also revised YKK Restricted Substances List and completed audit of all 1,204 suppliers on their compliance, while renewing OEKO-TEX® certification for YKK fastening products.

Apart from this, YKK has developed paints with reduced toluene and xylene for use on main products and expanded line-up of products produced with YKK’s new eco-friendly AcroPlating® technology, which eliminates 100 per cent of cyanide, chromium, selenium and other harmful substances.

“The volume of products made with this technology has increased 75 per cent for zippers and 48 per cent for snaps and buttons (year-on-year),” said YKK.

The company has also implemented YKK Global Criteria of Compliance self-checks at all applicable locations and confirmed that suppliers comply with basic trading principles in accordance with OECD guidelines.

The theme of this year’s report is “YKK’s Purpose” as told through a message from the President of YKK Corporation, executive dialogues and employee voices.