YKK’s efforts to be transparent are being recognized.
The Japanese zipper maker achieved for the first time the “A List” rating in the 2023 Climate Change survey conducted by the CDP, a global environmental disclosure nonprofit organization.
CDP’s annual survey scored more than 21,000 companies based on information reported through its climate change, deforestation and water security questionnaires. Just two percent (under 400 companies) have been named on its 2023 A List for disclosing actionable, high quality environmental data.
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“Our inclusion in CDP’s ‘A List’ underscores our commitment to climate action and transparency. We vow to intensify our efforts, involving stakeholders throughout our value chains to minimize our environmental footprint,” said Minoru Maeda, YKK’s VP of the environment & safety management department.
YKK is joined by other apparel industry leaders earning the highest score including Lenzing, LVMH, Fast Retailing Co. and Inditex.
Described a “snapshot of a company’s environmental disclosure and performance,” the score also serves as a transparent assessment of their environmental impact and progress. Scores range from “A” earned by companies that show environmental leadership by undertaking actions such as setting science-based targets and creating a climate transition plan to “D,” companies that filled out the questionnaire but need to provide more information. The score is considered a starting point for organizations that want to demonstrate that they have begun their environmental journey.
An F score is given when a requested company fails to disclose through CDP.
In 2020, YKK unveiled Sustainability Vision 2050, objectives across five key areas (climate change, material resources, water resources, chemical management, and respect for people) that aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Its commitment to combatting climate change is steadfast, with a plan to climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the 1.5°C target outlined by the Science Based Targets initiative. By 2030, YKK aims to slash Scope 1 and 2 emissions by half and Scope 3 emissions by 30 percent compared to 2018 levels.
In 2023, the CDP selected the trims manufacturer as a “Supplier Engagement Leader” for achieving the highest score on its 2022 Supplier Engagement Report, which assessed how effectively companies engage with their suppliers on climate change issues.
“Since announcing our Sustainability Vision 2050 in October 2020, we’ve implemented energy-saving measures, adopted renewable energy, and enhanced transparency with third-party audits of our greenhouse gas emissions,” Maeda said. “Collaborating with partners, we’re engaging customers and suppliers to reduce GHG emissions.”
