Chapter 1
The birth of a fastening empire
Chapter 2
The secrets of vertical integration
Chapter 3
The hidden physics of the zipper
Chapter 4
A tiny giant in a globalized world
Ch 4 · A tiny giant in a globalized world
sonia The tiny YKK stamp on your clothes is a symbol of global supply chains and manufacturing trust.
Fun Fact
Zipper numbers: YKK makes enough zippers every single day to stretch from Tokyo to New York and back again.
sonia YKK is redesigning its classic zippers to use recycled plastics and reduce environmental impact.
Glossary
ykk (noun)
A prominent Japanese manufacturing company specializing in zippers and other clothing fasteners. Founded in 1934, the firm produces roughly half of the world's zippers entirely in-house.
A prominent Japanese manufacturing company specializing in zippers and other clothing fasteners. Founded in 1934, the firm produces roughly half of the world's zippers entirely in-house.
BETA
sonia Melt brass and build machines to discover how YKK makes half the world's zippers.
Quiz
What material does YKK recycle to create the fabric tape of their sustainable zippers?
Quiz
What did YKK eliminate from its dyeing process to prevent toxic wastewater pollution?