Manage and reduce chemical usage
To ensure a healthy environment for future generations, YKK will reduce the environmental impact caused by chemicals used in the manufacture of our products.
Goals
- Manage and further reduce the use of chemical substances in product manfacturing from input to output in accordance with our own standards (YKK Restricted Substance List), which was established based on industry standards such as ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List).
- Our finished products meet industry standards such as Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® ensuring they are free of harmful substances.
- Develop new production methods that reduce and eliminate the use of toxic chemicals.
Topics
New Technologies for Eliminating the Use of Harmful Substances
AcroPlating®
Conventional electroplating involves the use of large amounts of water and electricity, as well as limited amounts of certain harmful substances. YKK has been working for many years to reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals from the manufacturing process.1
YKK's new AcroPlating® technology completely eliminates the use of harmful substances such as cyanide, chromium, and selenium from the plating process. Additionally, AcroPlating® reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 96%, water usage by 66%, and electricity consumption by 69% in the manufacturing process.2
1 At YKK, all harmful substances and wastewater used or generated during plating operations are processed and disposed of in accordance with applicable environmental and other laws and regulations.
2 Comparison of AcroPlating® and conventional methods for 3Y GSBN8 NH3 production at the YKK Kurobe Manufacturing Center.
Related News
Development of New Paints
We completed development of paint with reduced toluene and xylene that is friendly to people and the environment and began the process of switching over in FY2021.
Efforts Related to Higg FEM
Deployment of the Higg FEM in Manufacturing Facilities
YKK is a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), an international sustainability organization for the apparel industry. We have implemented Higg Facility Environmental Module (Higg FEM), an industry standard environmental impact assessment tool developed by the coalition, in 23 plants around the world (FY2020). Through Higg FEM, we are confirming our compliance with global-standard environmental commitments and sharing that information with our business partners.
Higg Index FEM Assessment Items
- Environmental Management Systems
- Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Water Use
- Wastewater
- Emissions to Air (If Applicable)
- Waste Management
- Chemical Management
Learn more about our Higg Index Scores
In-house Trainings for International Manufacturing Plants
To disseminate YKK's and industry standards throughout the Group, we are holding in-house trainings for international manufacturing plants. Expert subcommittees for each theme and regional headquarters work together to implement training with a particular focus on water discharge, air emissions, and chemical management. In addition to complying with the laws and regulations of each country and region, we are working on the lateral deployment of appropriate environmental management expected on a global level.
Manage and Reduce Chemical Usage
YKK Restricted Substance List (YKK RSL)
To leave behind a rich life for future generations, we will minimize the environmental effects and impact of chemicals related to the Fastening Business. YKK is working to manage the use of chemicals from the beginning to the end of product manufacturing and further reduce chemical use in accordance with internal standards (YKK RSL) created based on the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) of Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) and industry standards such as OEKO-TEX.
Supplier Surveys Based on the YKK RSL
In addition to issuing the 2020 version of the YKK RSL and disseminating it to the 44 companies that manufacture fastening products, we are collecting responses regarding compliance status from 792 suppliers and conducting ongoing surveys.