For quite some time now, clothing quality has been suffering at the hands of cheap mass-produced products and collections that change several times a year.

Every year, around 1 mn tonnes of used clothing end up in clothes’ bank around Germany.

Although there are calls to switch to a sustainable lifestyle, simply changing the way we use our existing consumer society is not necessarily a prerequisite for achieving sustainability. Clearly, a new way of thinking is required.

No-one would disagree that textiles and apparel companies can contribute either directly or indirectly to improving consumer behaviour in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Zipper is one of the most important components

If a zipper breaks, a garment can no longer be worn and generally ends up in a clothes’ bank unless, of course, the zipper is changed at considerable expense. Zippers are therefore one of the most important components in a piece of clothing and are expected to function smoothly at all times. The zipper is also one of the factors determining how long a piece of clothing will last. The demands on zippers are always very high. Modern and sophisticated design, constant developments and innovations, particularly in the technical field, and perfect functionality are more or less taken for granted.

For buyers and designers in the textiles industry, these factors – alongside price – are an important aspect when selecting trimmings, as they are key to guaranteeing the functionality, quality and durability of their own products.

Sustainability in manufacturing

YKK has been committed to the environment for many years, attaching much importance to product quality and quality assurance.

Important elements of sustainable production include not only the choice of materials and resource-efficient manufacturing but also high quality and regional availability. These aspects are, in fact, at the very heart of sustainability.

The quality assurance system in place at YKK is among the most exacting in the industry. The quality of its products is usually well above the prescribed standards.

Committed to environmental policy on all levels, the company endeavours to ensure that its business operations are in harmony with the environment. YKK consistently develops and launches sustainable products, including prestigious zippers such as Natulon, GreenRise and Organic Cotton. Almost all YKK products comply with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Product Class I, Articles for Babies and Toddlers. In doing so, YKK remains true to its company philosophy of “Healthy living in harmony with the environment”.

The zipper is one of the most important components in clothing. YKK has been committed to the environment for many years and attaches much importance to product quality and quality assurance.