NATULON® is a zipper with tape made from recycled polyester, a product YKK began developing even before the heightened focus on sustainable materials. Here, we reflect on the history behind the development of this product and consider the challenges in YKK’s goal of switching to 100% sustainable materials (recycled or naturally derived materials, etc.) for its fastening products by 2030.

Environmental awareness increased around the world in the late 1980s and 1990s, when international conventions were ratified and environmental conferences were hosted. YKK also established the YKK Group Environmental Declaration in 1994 with the goal of becoming an eco-friendly company.

Since its foundation, YKK has upheld the "Cycle of Goodness®" as part of the YKK philosophy. This means that no one prospers without rendering benefit to others, and it is from this concept that we have naturally striven to reduce waste and use resources responsibly. For example, in the late 1970s, we started developing zippers made from recycled polyester yarn generated within the company. Creating a zipper made of recycled products through the technological efforts we have built up over the years was a very natural progression for YKK. These are the origins behind our current recycled NATULON® zippers.