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Press Release
Bergamo, Ventura, Tokyo – ERCA SPA, Patagonia® and YKK announce the successful implementation of ERCA’s REVECOL®, a sustainable, innovative chemical agent, in YKK’s dyeing processes at their Vietnam production sites.
ERCA transforms common waste material, such as exhausted vegetable cooking oil, into an upcycled, certified high performance, safe textile chemical. ERCA has invested in circular practices to take waste material and use them as feedstocks to create new responsible chemical products.
Always searching for new sustainable innovations, REVECOL® caught the attention of Patagonia®. Driven by the goal to utilize non-extractive chemistry in their supply chain wherever possible, the brand teamed up with ERCA and trim supplier YKK to deploy REVECOL®. Matt Swartz, Patagonia®’s Color and Material Quality Manager, introduced the ERCA technology to YKK, asking that they explore using it in their dyeing operations.
“We saw an opportunity to build a partnership with an innovator, ERCA, who was pushing the boundaries of sustainability and match them with an existing partner, YKK, that consistently delivers high caliber, quality goods and services. This has proven to be a dream team,” says Matt Swartz of Patagonia®.
“Through thoughtful consideration we designed our approach and conversion to REVECOL® LV-TS to have an outsized impact from the start. The real success is seeing this go beyond Patagonia® products and spread across supply chain partners, brands and consumers. This is one domino to fall in how we do business to save our home planet.”
REVECOL® LV-TS has a carbon footprint that is 72% lower* than the more conventional chemical auxiliaries produced by ERCA. Today ERCA produces a wide range of high-performance chemical auxiliaries made from used vegetable oil that are ZDHC, bluesign® approved and GRS certified. ERCA is the first company in the world to have GRS certified chemical products, opening the door to circular chemical auxiliaries.
“One of the most rewarding achievements is not only to see that REVECOL® can really make a difference, but that leading companies are teaming up with us to utilize it in products that bring the message of sustainability to the end consumer”, says Fabio Locatelli, Head of ERCA Textile Specialties Business Unit.
As part of their Sustainability Vision 2050, YKK is constantly working to deploy more sustainable chemical processes in their production. The ability to replace a commonly used dye chemical with a lower impact version was a no-brainer for YKK’s Vietnam management. REVECOL® is not only more sustainable, it is also more efficient, reducing the use of the dyeing auxiliary by 20% to 30%, thus helping to lower YKK’s overall chemical usage.
“We are thrilled to be part of this unique 3-way collaboration, exemplifying how true upcycling on a mass-production scale is made possible at the center of garment manufacturing. We look forward to the expansion of REVECOL® across the entire textile industry”, says Mike Maekawa, Sales and Business Development Manager of YKK Vietnam.
* bluesign® Product Carbon Footprint Report
About ERCA SPA
ERCA group is an Italian innovation-driven chemical group that runs its business on worldwide basis with a responsible DNA. 6 plants within Europe, Latin America and Asia which focus on the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical specialties and chemical intermediates. A cutting-edge research and development center where chemical specialties and chemical intermediates are conceived and engineered to become circular ingredients for the contemporary sustainable industry. R&D is where innovation is circularly shaped and achieved. ERCA Group is producing REVECOL®, the breakthrough circular chemical auxiliaries range for textile; available at ERCA TCS.
REVECOL® is a trademark of E.R.C.A. ESPERIENZE RICERCHE CHIMICHE APPLICATE S.P.A.
ERCA TCS is a leading manufacturer and supplier of responsible chemicals for the textile industry. Through continuous investment in people, research and development, ERCA TCS is advancing circular, ethical and responsible innovation inspired by the principles of Green Chemistry.
About Patagonia®
We’re in business to save our home planet. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia® is an outdoor apparel company based in Ventura, California. As a certified B Corporation and a founding member of 1% for the Planet, the company is recognized internationally for its product quality and environmental activism, as well as its contributions of nearly $200 million to environmental organizations. Its unique ownership structure reflects that Earth is its only shareholder: Profits not reinvested back into the business are paid as dividends to protect the planet.
About YKK
YKK solves the most complex fastening and attaching challenges. Since the company’s founding in Tokyo in 1934, YKK has continuously set industry standards for quality, innovation, and sustainability in the production of zippers, plastic hardware, hook and loop fasteners, webbing tapes, and snap and buttons. YKK’s “solutions-first” approach leverages its extensive product and machinery portfolio, engineering expertise, and integrated production, service, and supply chain solutions in 70+ countries/regions, leaving it well-positioned to support the growth of customers of all sizes and adapt to their evolving business needs. Guided by the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® philosophy – no one prospers without rendering benefit to others – YKK aims to contribute to a sustainable society through its products and manufacturing operations and constantly seeks new ways to serve the changing needs of its customers while at the same time investing in its employees and giving back to its communities.
“YKK” and “YKK Little Parts. Big Difference.” are registered trademarks or trademarks of YKK CORPORATION in Japan and other countries/regions.
This press release was issued May 24, 2023. YKK is a member of SPESA.
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