YKK's Ocean Sourced zippers now on Oceanworks marketplace

Helping to address the problem of marine plastic, YKK’s new Natulon Ocean Sourced collection of zippers is made from ocean bound plastic collected within 50 km of the coastline of Sri Lanka. Indistinguishable from zippers made of virgin polyester, Natulon Ocean Sourced offers the same strength, durability, and functionality as conventional zippers.

“We are extremely happy to be able to offer YKK’s Natulon Ocean Sourced zippers to our clients,” said Rob Ianelli, founder and president of Oceanworks. “It gives them fastening solutions from the most trusted name in zippers, allowing them to create innovative products made entirely from ocean bound plastic.”

YKK’s collaboration with Oceanworks extends beyond the availability of Natulon Ocean Sourced zipper on its marketplace. Oceanworks worked with YKK to help locate and establish the supply chain for the yarn made from ocean bound plastic, which is used in Natulon Ocean Sourced zippers.

“Oceanworks was instrumental in helping us source the yarn that goes into Natulon Ocean Sourced zippers,” said Mike Maekawa, category manager for YKK. “Without their help, our development would have taken far longer, delaying the introduction of Natulon Ocean Sourced zippers to the market.”

“YKK has a long history of environmental stewardship, which is an integral part of our “Cycle of Goodness” philosophy. Our Environmental Pledge was signed by our CEO in 1994, and we created Natulon, the first zipper made from recycled PET bottles and polyester remnants, over 26 years ago. Today we offer a wide range of sustainable products and technologies. Natulon Ocean Sourced is just the latest addition to our portfolio of eco-innovation,” says Maekawa.

YKK’s collection of sustainable trims is aimed at reducing carbon emissions, toxic chemicals, and water use. In addition to Natulon Ocean Sourced, the collection features the GreenRise zipper, the first in the industry to use plant-based plastic, YKK’s organic cotton zippers, made from GOTS certified yarn, and YKK’s original Natulon zipper, made from recycle PET bottles. Also included in the collection are zippers made using YKK’s Eco-dye water-free dyeing technology, and environmentally friendly snaps and buttons made using the new non-toxic Acro-Plating technology.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)