YKK has partnered with Green Theme Technologies (GTT) to use their water-free and non-toxic EMPEL™ water protection technology on zippers.
PFC-free EMPEL platform of GTT is claimed to be one of the best performing dry fabric finishes in the world and is now being utilized on zippers for the first time.
The adoption of GTT’s EMPEL water protection technology will help YKK to fulfill its Sustainability Vision 2050 action plan that aims at cutting down on the usage of water and chemical through innovative new technologies.
Terry Tsukumo, Vice President, YKK Global Marketing Group, averred, “While YKK is known for strong internal research and development, we are always looking for innovative new technologies to complement our own. GTT’s EMPEL technology offers extremely durable water protection with unparalleled performance, without the use of harmful chemicals.”Martin Flora from GTT commented that the support from YKK comes at a critical time when major clothing brands and textile mills have to step forward to make a change for the future of the planet.
It’s worth noting here that GTT launched the EMPEL platform back 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.
“The EMPEL technology will allow us to create a new generation of water protective zippers that perform better, have better flexibility, and are more sustainable,” said Mike Maekawa, Category Manager, YKK Global Marketing Group.