To produce sustainable solutions in innovation, “Say goodbye to traditional polyurethane (PU) film!” With its slogan, GTT creates a revolution by introducing the DynaPel™ water-repellent zipper with EMPEL® technology and eliminates the common obstacle in textile-to-textile recycling.
Zipper, as an indispensable accessory used by the leather and textile industry, YKK introduced its revolutionary product within the scope of sustainability. YKK announced the launch of its new DynaPel™ Designed to Work in Circular Systems waterproof zipper featuring GTT EMPEL® technology. Designed to be compatible with clothing recycling systems, DynaPel™ uses EMPEL® technology instead of standard polyurethane PU film to ensure water repellency. The absence of PU film helps eliminate one of the obstacles to textile-to-textile recycling of performance garments by eliminating the polyurethane material, which creates challenges both in terms of sustainability and in garment recycling processes.
“DynaPel™ is a valuable addition to our growing collection of fasteners designed for circular systems,” said Terry Tsukumo, Vice President, Product Strategy Division, Global Sales Center, YKK Corporation.
EMPEL® technology uses advanced green chemistry that is PFAS-free and a proprietary manufacturing process that allows the chemistry to penetrate the yarn and encapsulate it with a water-repellent layer through molecular cross-linking. Molecular cross-linking creates an extremely durable layer that is highly resistant to abrasion and invisible to the eye.
“DynaPel™ represents the next generation of sustainable, high-performance, waterproof zippers,” said Tsukumo. “This is the future of water protection for zippers.” said.
Since the Company was founded in Tokyo in 1934, YKK has consistently set industry standards for quality, service, value and innovation in the production of zippers, plastic hardware, hook and loop fasteners, webbing tapes and snaps and buttons. With integrated production and supply systems in 72 countries and regions around the world, YKK is in a position to meet the needs of the many industries we serve, which are increasingly diversified and require shorter product cycles. Guided by the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy “No one can succeed without benefiting others” YKK aims to contribute to a sustainable society through its products and production operations, while constantly seeking new ways to serve the changing needs of its customers. invests in its employees and gives back to society.