Global trims supplier YKK has signed a licensing agreement with sustainable textile innovation company Green Theme Technologies (GTT) to use its water-free and non-toxic Empel water protection technology on zippers for the first time.

As per Sourcing Journal, Empel achieves water repellency by using dry curing which coats each fiber individually to increase durability and performance. The solution is considered to be a game-changing technology for high-performance zippers, and one of the best-performing dry fabric finishes in the world.

YKK’s partnership with GTT reflects the company’s commitments to reducing water and chemical usage through innovative technologies. Last October, the company announced YKK Sustainability Vision 2050 a five-prong strategy that addresses climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management and human rights as well as 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative details the ways in which YKK will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and pass along its sustainable benefits to the thousands of apparel manufacturers that use the company’s fasteners.