YKK and Epson have turned discarded clothing into a high-end zipper component, marking a first for non-woven material use in the fastener industry. The concept zipper tape, made from recycled textile fibers, debuted last week as part of designer Yuima Nakazato's "Inferno" couture collection during Paris Haute Couture Week. Main Developments The collaboration produces zipper tape from sheets of non-woven fabric created using Epson's Dry Fiber Technology, which converts used clothing and mill ends into fibers without water. This tape is used in YKK's premium Excella zipper series, known for highest-grade metal zippers with polished elements that offer a luxurious feel for apparel and handbags. YKK and Epson conducted extensive studies to ensure quality because conventional manufacturing methods were difficult to apply to the non-woven materials. They evaluated and optimized strength, flexibility, and thickness, and selected a slider with a structure suited to the tape's rigidity to improve ease of use. Read also: 5 Key Moves Behind Irani Group's $50M AI Retail Push Background Epson's Dry Fiber Technology was originally commercialized for paper recycling, but starting in January 2023, the company began using it to convert used garments and mill ends into fibers for new non-woven fabric sheets. In 2024, Epson partnered with The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel to adapt the technology for defibrating hard-to-recycle fabrics. YKK brings its own sustainability track record, including the Natulon Fiber Sourced zipper, which uses recycled polyester from textile waste and discarded clothing. The company aims to transition to 100 percent sustainable textile materials—such as recycled and plant-derived materials—by 2030, aligning with its broader 2050 sustainability mission. Why It Matters Textile circularity remains a major challenge for the fashion industry, with vast amounts of clothing ending up in landfills or incinerated. This project demonstrates that even small components like zipper tape can be reimagined from waste, potentially influencing how other fasteners and trims are sourced. The partnership also shows that high-end fashion—represented here by a Paris couture collection—can embrace recycled materials without sacrificing quality or aesthetics, setting a precedent for luxury brands to follow. What's Next YKK and Epson have not announced commercial production plans for the recycled non-woven zipper tape. The concept's viability will depend on scaling the Dry Fiber Technology and meeting cost and durability requirements for broader market adoption. Further optimization for different zipper types and applications may follow.