Global leader in zippers and fastening products, YKK plans to explore Green Theme Technologies’ (GTT) water-free and non-toxic Empel™ water protection technology on its zippers and has signed a licensing agreement with the company. As per a Textile World report, GTT operates at the leading edge of sustainable performance textile finishes, and its PFC-free Empel platform is one of the best performing dry fabric finishes in the world, now being utilized on zippers for the first time.

The adoption of GTT’s Empel water protection technology is in keeping with YKK’s Sustainability Vision 2050 action plan to reduce water and chemical usage through innovative new technologies. The company has a long history of zipper innovation with its slide fasteners being used on everything from commercial fishing nets to space suits.

As a leader in product sustainability, YKK launched the Natulon® zipper — the first zipper to be made with recycled material — in 1994. Since that time YKK has developed an expansive portfolio of eco-friendly products such as GreenRise® the first zipper to use plant-based polyester, and Natulon® Ocean Sourced® zipper, made from ocean bound plastic waste.

GTT launched the Empel platform in 2018 and began with the goal of eliminating toxic PFCs. In addition to being highly sustainable, Empel treatment ranks among the highest water repellency and longest lasting protection available. GTT and YKK plan to collaborate with leading premium brands on the best quality and performance zippers on the market.