YKK's Sustainable Achievements: Climate, Resources, Water, Chemicals, and People


05/31/2023


YKK Corporation invites you to delve into the world of progress and innovation with our latest release, "This is YKK 2022." This captivating integrated report serves as a comprehensive update on our journey towards the Sustainability Vision 2050 – our resolute roadmap to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
 
Immersing you in the essence of our company's purpose, "This is YKK 2022" is more than just an annual report; it is an embodiment of our commitment to creating a healthier planet while supporting local communities. Through the eloquent words of our president, enlightening executive dialogs, and inspiring employee voices, we paint a vivid picture of YKK's purpose and the strides we've taken towards sustainable growth.
 
Within the pages of this year's report, you'll witness the remarkable progress made in fiscal year 2021, as we steadfastly pursued our goals under the five pillars of the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050. From tackling climate change and optimizing material resources to preserving water resources, managing chemicals responsibly, and respecting people, we've made significant headway in each area.
 
Allow us to share some impressive achievements from the past year: YKK successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an outstanding 18.2% compared to our 2018 baseline. Moreover, we've effectively diminished landfill waste by a staggering 272 tons, decreased water intake by a commendable 7.5%, and proudly introduced AcroPlating® technology, a groundbreaking innovation that eliminates harmful chemicals from the plating process.
 
But that's not all. As a testament to our unwavering dedication, we've also published the second edition of our renowned "Sustainability Journal." Through captivating stories, we demonstrate how YKK places people at the forefront of our endeavors, forging a path towards a brighter, healthier future.
 
Highlights of YKK's Sustainable Achievements Unveiled:
 
Climate Change: Witness an impressive 18.2% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, accompanied by a commendable 15.1% reduction in Scope 3 GHG emissions, measured against our FY2018 baseline. Embrace the growing presence of renewable energy as 11 YKK plants worldwide are now powered by 100% renewable sources, marking an increase of one plant year-on-year.  
Material Resources: Delight in our commitment to sustainable practices as the usage of eco-friendly materials in zipper textiles escalates to an impressive 13%, showcasing a noteworthy 7-point increase year-on-year. Rejoice in the progress of sustainable packaging, with a 3.3% increase in its utilization. Notably, YKK JAPAN Company Kurobe Manufacturing Center completed the transition to major interior packaging materials in July 2022. Embrace the dedication towards waste reduction, as landfill waste is reduced by a remarkable 272 tons year-on-year. Witness our resourcefulness with a waste resource conversion rate of 87%, marking a 3.7-point increase year-on-year.  
Water Resources: Celebrate the responsible management of water resources as total water intake across all manufacturing sites is reduced by an impressive 7.5%, measured against our FY2018 baseline. Experience our commitment to exceeding regulations through the implementation of wastewater management, adhering to voluntary control standards that surpass government regulations.  
Chemical Management: Embrace our comprehensive approach to chemical management, beginning with the revision of the YKK Restricted Substances List and the successful completion of audits for all 1,204 suppliers, ensuring compliance with our stringent standards. Take comfort in the renewal of our OEKO-TEX® certification for YKK® fastening products, reaffirming our commitment to producing safe and sustainable solutions. Discover our innovation in paints, where we have developed formulations with reduced toluene and xylene, ensuring the safety and well-being of our customers. Celebrate the expansion of our eco-friendly AcroPlating® technology, eliminating harmful substances such as cyanide, chromium, and selenium from our products. Witness a remarkable 75% increase in the volume of zippers and a notable 48% increase in snaps and buttons produced with this groundbreaking technology, measured year-on-year.  
Respect for People: Rejoice in our commitment to ethical practices as YKK implements YKK Global Criteria of Compliance self-checks across all relevant locations. Rest easy knowing that our suppliers adhere to basic trading principles in accordance with OECD guidelines. Regular status checks and evaluations are conducted through comprehensive CSR questionnaire audits.  
Detailed data on YKK's remarkable progress in ESG goals and financial information can be found in our supplemental "Data Book." For an in-depth exploration of "This is YKK 2022" and the "Data Book," visit the YKK Corporation website.