#Textile processing

2025-12-04

YKK receives ISPO Textrends Awards for circular innovations

YKK’s 3D Composite Puller named best product in Accessories category; NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ with Recycled PET Open Parts earns top 5 spot

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Koichi Matsushima; hereafter, YKK) is pleased to announce that the ISPO Textrends judges have selected YKK's 3D Composite Puller as the Best Product in the Accessories category. They also selected YKK’s NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ zipper with Recycled PET Open Parts as a Top 5 item in the same category. The competition, held twice a year in conjunction with the ISPO trade show, recognizes the most innovative performance textiles, components, and apparel.

Overview of Award-Winning Products

■ Best Product: 3D Composite Puller

The 3D Composite Puller combines YKK’s expertise in zipper technology with Variloom’s on-demand 3D printing and molding system. Utilizing Variloom’s recyclable bio-based TPU and 3D printing process, this product eliminates traditional molding requirements and the constraints of high minimum order quantities (MOQs). It enables customization of shape,

texture, attachment style, color, and logo—features that are difficult to achieve with conventional injection molding—offering brands and designers new possibilities in both functionality and aesthetics.

■ Top 5 Award: NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ with Recycled PET Open Parts

NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ zipper is made using recycled PET from discarded clothing and textile waste—integrated into both the tape and the elements. Designed with circularity in mind, it utilizes a mono-material construction, with all components of the chain, including the Open Parts, made from recycled PET derived from fiber.

To deliver exceptional durability and long-lasting performance, the slider is crafted from recycled zinc. This choice reflects the core principles of circularity—longevity and durability—while ensuring the material can be easily separated during garment preprocessing for future reuse.

By utilizing recycled PET from textiles, NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ with Recycled PET Open Parts helps reduce environmental impact while supporting the emerging textile-to-textile ecosystem. With less than 1% of all clothing globally recycled into new garments, NATULON Plus® Fiber Sourced™ with Recycled PET Open Parts represents YKK’s commitment to textile-to-textile recycling and the realization of a circular society.

Terry Tsukumo, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Headquarters, YKK Corporation, comments: "Receiving these ISPO Textrends Awards underscores YKK’s commitment to innovation. We continue to push boundaries by developing products that not only advance performance but also address the environmental challenges facing the textile industry.”

Product Details:　

NATULON® Fiber Sourced™ | YKK DIGITAL SHOWROOM

NATULON Plus® with Recycled PET Open Parts | YKK DIGITAL SHOWROOM

Both products are concept items exhibited for the ISPO Textrends Award and are currently under development, with no specific timeline for commercialization determined at this time.

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

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Asia's fashion extravaganza CENTRESTAGE returns in September

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SAITEX reports efficiency gains and greater transparency in 2025 Impact Report

Vietnam-based denim manufacturer SAITEX has published its 2025 Impact Report, documenting progress in resource efficiency, chemical management, digital traceability and knowledge sharing across its manufacturing operations in Vietnam and the United States. Rather than focusing on sustainability ambitions, the report presents operational data, manufacturing developments and lessons learned from the past year.

Aid by Trade Foundation presents annual report for 2025: Market position and impact of sustainably verified natural fibres strengthened

Despite global supply chain challenges, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) was able to further expand its international role in promoting sustainably verified natural fibres in 2025. In doing so, the foundation remains true to its fundamental approach of leveraging market forces. Last year, it generated total revenues of EUR 7.8 million; this included EUR 6.7 million collected through the successful marketing of four standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), CmiA Organic, The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), and the Regenerative Cotton Standard (RCS). AbTF invested the resulting income in projects aiming to protect biodiversity, support women, increase transparency in the textile supply chain, and implement its verification system.

Barmag presents metering pump solutions at ASE China

From September 15 to 17, 2026, Barmag’s Pumps Division will present its solutions for the precise delivery and metering of adhesives, sealants, and other high-viscosity media at ASE China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. The focus of the exhibition will be on high-precision gear metering pumps that help plant managers sustainably optimize material usage, process stability, and product quality. (Booth E4235).