#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2026-03-24

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

YZiP® Light with pressed aluminum slider © 2026 YKK

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.

YZiP® Light delivers a weight reduction of approximately 50%*1 in comparison to the YZiP® copper alloy zipper for jeans. At the same time, sliding resistance has been reduced by approximately 15%*2, and lateral pull strength has been improved by approximately 26%*3 compared to a conventional aluminum alloy zipper. This enables YKK to offer a zipper optimized for cotton pants and similar garments with a fabric thickness of 0.6 millimeters or less that do not require washing processes.

The pressed aluminum slider used by YZiP® Light incorporates YKK’s proprietary molding technology, which enables press processing of aluminum—previously considered difficult due to the material's inherent properties. It also achieves the same appearance and functionality as the semi-automatic slider used in the copper alloy YZiP® zipper.

Furthermore, with the establishment of coloring technology for aluminum elements, YKK plans to expand its selection of color variations beyond the conventional silver and antique silver to include new options, such as gold and antique gold.

This product is a NATULON® zipper that uses recycled material for the tape. Approximately 25% of the cut zipper (15 centimeters) is made from recycled materials by weight.

Terry Tsukumo, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK Corporation, comments: "YZiP®, which we developed in 1966, has been beloved by customers all over the world as a zipper for jeans for many years, and is one of the products which has played an important role in YKK’s development into a top global zipper brand. For our newly launched YZiP® Light, we brought together YKK’s technological capability to meet the demands for lightness and maneuverability required by zippers for cotton pants. Through the development of the pressed aluminum slider, YZiP® Light has overcome conventional challenges and achieved a balance of lightweight construction, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. In addition, we are contributing to sustainable manufacturing by promoting the use of the NATULON® zipper–which features tape made from recycled material, while also considering how to reduce our environmental impact."

YKK will continue to align with market needs and the values that society demands and promote product development aimed at even greater functional improvements.

*1: Compared with YZiP® (YGRC-39 GSBN8 15 cm), based on YKK internal testing

*2: Compared with a traditional aluminum alloy zipper (YARNC-39 DS14GS1), based on YKK internal testing

*3: Compared with a traditional aluminum alloy zipper (YARNC-39 DS14GS1), based on YKK internal testing

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

YKK invests USD 150 million in new manufacturing facility in India

YKK Corporation has announced plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of the world's fastest-growing textile and apparel production hubs. The new factory will be built at Origins by Mahindra in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and will become the third manufacturing site of YKK India Private Limited. The facility is expected to be completed by February 2028 and represents an investment of approximately USD 150 million, covering land, buildings, machinery and equipment.

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

C&S strengthens its governance to support its evolution

C&S announces the appointment of Marco Lucietti to its Board of Directors. With extensive international experience across the textile and denim industries, Lucietti will work alongside CEO Federico Corneli, contributing to the company’s managerial development, organizational structure and long-term strategic direction.

Carrington Textiles publishes third Sustainability Report

Carrington Textiles has announced the publication of the third Sustainability Report from the RTS Textiles Group, highlighting another year of progress towards more responsible manufacturing across its global operations. The report outlines continued investment in technologies and initiatives designed to improve environmental performance and support long-term business resilience across the Group’s manufacturing facilities in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.

Febratex 2026 to be the largest edition of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas with 10 exhibition halls

Febratex 2026 will be the largest edition in the history of the leading textile trade fair in the Americas. Dedicated to the textile and apparel manufacturing industries, the event will take place from August 18–21, 2026, in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and business generation.

Cotton Brazil Dialogues field trip brings international stakeholders closer to Brazil’s cotton production chain

How do you build trust across the global textile value chain? By opening the farm gates. This is the principle behind the Cotton Brazil Dialogues. At the end of July, the programme welcomed its first group of international participants for a five-day immersion into Brazilian cotton production, combining field visits with technical workshops to showcase the quality, sustainability, innovation and traceability behind one of the world’s leading cotton origins.