# ECO-DYE: YKK’s Sustainable Approach to Dyeing

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/eco-dye-ykks-sustainable-approach-to-dyeing/
- Published: 2015-01-29T02:09:14-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

### YKK GOES ECO-DYE

Here is some really significant sustainable development news in manufacturing from
YKK ([www.ykk.com](https://www.ykk.com/)).

In its continued innovative efforts to work its best for the environment, the company
has announced that it is developing an “ECO-DYE” approach that, utilizing supercritical
fluid dyeing (“SFD”) technology, allows it to reduce almost to zero the amount of
water used in zipper’s dyeing process.
[⌊image⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/wpid-wp-1422496758169.jpeg?quality=89&ssl=1)

[⌊image⌉⌊image⌉[

**YKK Does More to Save**

As a part of environmental activities at YKK Kurobe (Japan) Factory, YKK is developing
an “ECO-DYE” approach. It’s an approach that is utilizing the supercritical fluid
dyeing (“SFD”) technology. For that allows it to reduce almost to zero the amount
of water used in zipper’s dyeing process.

Through its main business, YKK Group is aiming at making contributions to sustainable
society. That’s by manufacturing and also creating new value in cooperation. Again,
with local communities, customers and employees.

#### About YKK Group

Currently, YKK Group operates in 71 countries / regions including Japan. Nowadays,
when there is a strong demand to address environmental problems, strengthen chemicals
managements etc. there is especially increased demand to protect worldwide water
resources essential for human life and needed for industrial use. In the future 
the problem of water resources is expected to grow. For the apparel industry, major
issues include reduction of water usage, elimination of discharge of hazardous chemicals
and waste water in the production process. The apparel industry is taking proactive
actions to address these issues. For example, major apparel brands, which include
our customers, are joining Detox campaign aimed at elimination of water pollution
and discharge of hazardous substances.

#### Quality Products

As a leading company in manufacturing of fastening products, YKK not only produces
quality products, but also pays a great deal of attention to environmental aspects
of the production process. Reducing water usage and eliminating wastewater in the
manufacturing process of fastening products is becoming increasingly important.

YKK is currently working to apply SFD technology, a new dyeing technology, for zipper
dyeing. This technology uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as a dyeing medium that makes 
it possible to reduce water use to nearly zero and avoid wastewater problem. In 
addition, carbon dioxide (CO2) used can be collected and reused. Another advantage
of using SFD is that it does not require drying, that is expected to contribute 
to reduction of energy use.

#### YKK Testing for Mass Production

YKK is now testing and working further on development of “ECO-DYE” technology for
mass production. As of January 2015, commercialization and an actual release date
of ECO-DYE™ products are yet to be determined.

YKK will continue to take efforts to develop and spread eco-friendly technologies
and environmentally conscious products.

### SFD

*About SFD (Supercritical Fluid Dyeing)
Finally, SFD is an innovative dyeing technology
that use_s _carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of water as dyeing medium. Dyeing is done
utilizing carbon dioxide in “superficial fluid” state. One which is also achieved
by controlling the temperature and pressure. In addition, a temperature and pressure
in which created carbon dioxide. So it has characteristics of both gas and liquid.

Reference: Temperature-Pressure Diagram of Pure Substance

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
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