Environmental Sustainability

Chemical Management

YKK Restricted Substance List

In recent years, the impact of chemicals used in the supply chain on human health and the environment is gaining greater attention.
YKK is working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the manufacturing process and has created “YKK RSL,” which is referenced from OEKO-TEX ® and the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) of Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC). By 2020, YKK aims to eliminate the following major substances.


Chemical GroupUtilization
1SurfactantDetergent agent,
Degreasing agent
2Halogenated SolventsPaint remover,
Cleaning agent
3Organic Tin CompoundPaint, Resin
4PFC`s,Perfluorinated CompoundsWater repellent agent
5PhthalatesPaint, Resin
6Heavy MetalsPaint, Metal, Resin
7Other banned dyestuffsColoring agent
8PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)Paint

Manufacturing Sustainability

ECO-DYE® (Waterless Zipper Dyeing Technology)

Eco dye rose

Dyes are indispensable elements for providing the apparel industry with colors and levels of brightness.
In order to attain this level of brightness, vast quantities of water have to be used in the dyeing process, and because this involves the subsequent disposal of waste water containing chemical properties, it could potentially cause environmental pollution.
As a part of our environmental activities, YKK has developed ECO-DYE® technology that—utilizing supercritical fluid dyeing (“SFD”) technology—allows the reduction of the amount of water used in the zipper dyeing process to almost zero.
This technology enables us to manufacture the same high-quality products while reducing the burden on the environment.

Eco-friendly Finish (Snap Fastener Finishing Technology)

Elements Finish

YKK's original finishing technology for Snap Fastener Buttons is environmentally friendly, which utilizes the base color of materials and does not involve an electrical plating process.

By not employing an electrical plating process, it is possible to reduce the amount of water and electricity without using hazardous substances such as heavy metals.
By switching from the electrical plating process, we are able to save about 3,600 kWh(*) per 1,000kg of our products. *3,600 kWh = Average electricity consumption per family for 20 days