#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2026-01-14

YKK collaborates with Coloro to deliver data-driven color ffeasibility for zippers

YKK and Coloro publish joint referencing and feasibility results

YKK Corporation announces its collaboration with Coloro, a leading innovator in color solutions and data for the global fashion industry, to introduce joint matching and feasibility results of Coloro colors in YKK’s zippers.

The joint matching results are now available through Coloro Feasibility Intelligence (CFI), Coloro’s proprietary feasibility platform. CFI already provides more than 2.5 million verified feasibility and sustainability data points based on physical dyeing and testing across multiple substrates and has now been expanded to include YKK zipper matching data.

Detlev Pross, Chief Strategy Officer of Coloro, explains the background of this collaboration: “This collaboration helps bridge another gap between designers and the supply chain, as well as connects physical and digital color selection and application. By integrating YKK zippers into the CFI system, users are empowered to make reliable, data-backed color decisions at the design stage, reducing wasted time and costs on color matching and development in the supply chain.”

After developing and providing full feasibility and sustainability data for the seven most-used fibers in CFI, Coloro joined forces with YKK to add and launch feasibility data connecting available zipper colors to existing fiber and fabric data. Pross adds: “It is exciting to launch those data together with YKK allowing us to close the loop on color feasibility and opening another door for digital implementation.”

"At YKK, we believe that color accuracy and feasibility are critical to enabling true digital transformation in the fashion supply chain,” said Takayuki Kato, Vice President, Global Marketing Group, YKK Corporation. "By collaborating with Coloro and integrating our zipper color data into the Coloro Feasibility Intelligence platform, we are helping designers and brands make confident, data-driven color decisions from the earliest stages of design. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and bridging the gap between physical and digital workflows for a more efficient and responsible industry."

Access to the updated version of Coloro’s CFI, including YKK zipper matches and joint matching data, is available immediately through Coloro’s and YKK’s global offices.

YKK launches “YZiP® Light” aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants, with sales beginning in late March. The introduction of YZiP® Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP® copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® wins the iF Design Award 2026

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereinafter “YKK”) is proud to announce that its Revived Replacement Elements for VISLON® has been awarded the prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2026, an award that recognizes excellence in design and quality, organized by iF Design Foundation.

Messe Frankfurt commits further to East Africa: three textiles trade fairs during Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week from 2027

Messe Frankfurt and its Texpertise Network continue their steady, successful trajectory in the region. As Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) opened today, Member of the Executive Board Detlef Braun announced that Messe Frankfurt is licencing its three leading international trade fair brands Texworld, Apparel Sourcing and Texprocess to Nairobi, Kenya for the first time in 2027. From now on, they will take place annually as part of the Africa Sourcing and Fashion Week (ASFW) Nairobi.

“We Believe in the Value of Textiles”: Successful Opening of the KARL MAYER TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER

KARL MAYER inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art TEXTILE INNOVATION CENTER (TIC) with a four-day opening week from April 21 to 24. The highlight of the week was the grand opening on Thursday, which drew a strong turnout from the international textile industry: around 220 customers, brands, and partners from across the textile value chain came to the company’s headquarters in Obertshausen for a first-hand look at the new high-tech development environment and lively exchange with industry peers.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.