Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
YKK recycled zip is the common name for the NATULON line – zips in which some or all of the polyester components, such as the tape, the coil and the sewing thread, are made from recycled polyester, for example from used PET bottles. Functionally, they behave like standard YKK zips, and the aim is to reduce the use of new oil-based raw material. NATULON is available in nylon coil and also in some other constructions.
What exactly a YKK recycled zip is
A zip looks simple, but it consists of several materials: tape, coil or teeth, thread, slider and stops. On an ordinary coil zip, the tape and coil are made of virgin polyester. With NATULON, some of these polyester elements are made from recycled raw material. The slider usually remains metal and is not part of the recycled content, so it is important not to claim that “the whole zip is recycled” unless the specific model confirms it.
Mechanical and chemical recycling
Recycled polyester is obtained in two main ways:
- Mechanical recycling – PET waste is cleaned, shredded and remelted into new yarn. The process is simpler, but the quality of the raw material depends on the cleanliness of the waste.
- Chemical recycling – the polymer is broken down into its original molecules and synthesised again. The resulting material is very close to virgin.
YKK uses both approaches in different products. Which option applies to a specific model and colour is clarified on inquiry.
Is there a difference in quality
For practical use – sewing in, slider movement, durability in washing – the recycled zip is designed to behave like the standard one. There are a few nuances worth paying attention to:
- Colour range. Not all colours from the standard card are necessarily available in all recycled versions. Check the colour in advance.
- Sizes and versions. The most common sizes are covered, but specific combinations may not be standard.
- Documentation. If you claim in your marketing that the garment uses recycled components, ask the supplier for information on the specific model.
Why brands choose a recycled zip
The zip weighs little in the overall balance of a garment, but it is one of the components most often forgotten in sustainable collections. If the fabric is made of recycled polyester but the zip, labels and threads are made of virgin materials, the product story loses consistency. The reasons brands include NATULON in their specification are usually:
- consistency – all polyester components of the garment come from the same type of raw material;
- requirements of retail partners who rate suppliers by their share of recycled materials;
- preparation for future recycling of the garment, where a mono-material is an advantage;
- communication to the end customer that can be backed by specific data.
How to describe a recycled zip correctly
European rules against misleading environmental claims are becoming stricter. So phrase things carefully:
- write “zip with tape and coil made of recycled polyester”, not “100% recycled zip”, unless this is confirmed for the model;
- do not use general words such as “eco” or “green” without a specific explanation;
- keep the supplier’s documentation for every model you mention in the product description;
- do not transfer the properties of the zip to the whole garment.
The textile fibre composition on the label is determined under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 for the main fabric. Accessories such as zips are not included in the composition percentages, except in certain cases, so information about the recycled zip is given separately, for example in the product description.
Sustainable choices beyond the material
The most sustainable zip is one that does not break. A zip that lasts the life of the garment saves replacement, repair and disposal of the whole product. That is why choosing the right number, slider and length is just as important as the recycled content. Do not skimp on coil size in high-stress positions, and test samples before you fix the specification.
How to include a recycled zip in the specification
So that the requirement is not lost on the way between the design team, the technologists and purchasing, include it explicitly in the product’s tech pack. Good practice is:
- the zip field should state “YKK, recycled version” together with the number, type, length and colour;
- note which components must be recycled – tape, coil, thread;
- state whether substitution with a standard zip is acceptable if stock is unavailable, or not;
- keep the supplier’s documentation together with the tech pack for future seasons.
This way, on a repeat order, there is no risk of someone ordering the standard version out of habit and leaving the product’s sustainability claim unsupported.
When a recycled zip is suitable
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Collection in recycled polyester | Strongly recommended |
| Capsule “sustainable” line | Recommended, with care over claims |
| Standard collection without environmental claims | Possible, if colour and lead time fit |
| Very specific colour or version | Check availability in advance |
Colour and compatibility
Colour is specified in the same way as for ordinary YKK zips – by a number from the YKK colour card or to a fabric sample. With recycled polyester, dyeing is comparable to virgin, but it is sensible to approve a sample before a series order. If the collection also includes jackets with moulded zips, check the availability of recycled versions in YKK moulded zips as well, so that the whole collection is consistent.
Ordering through Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags with over 30 years of experience that also offers original YKK zips. Browse YKK nylon coil zips and send an inquiry, stating that you are looking for a recycled version. We will check which models, sizes and colours are possible and offer a sample; minimum quantities and lead times depend on the item.
