TOKYO, Japan— January 9, 2025 — YKK Corporation announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated that YKK’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by FY2050 conforms with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard. The net-zero target validation is in the Textile, Apparel, Footwear, and Luxury Goods sector.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organization that develops standards, tools, and guidance which allow companies to set GHG emissions reduction targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest. Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
YKK received SBTi validation in March 2021 for its near-term targets of reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50.4% by FY2030 from a FY2018 base year and reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 30% within the same timeframe.[1]
On December 2, 2024, YKK also obtained SBTi validation for its long-term targets of reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by FY2050 from a FY2018 base year and reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% within the same timeframe.[2] The remaining 10% of emissions in the net-zero target must be reduced to zero through carbon absorption and removal.
The SBTi commended YKK’s ambitious net-zero targets, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.
“YKK places sustainability at the core of its management and continues efforts to co-create a better future. Achieving SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard is a result of YKK’s philosophy of the CYCLE OF GOODNESS® coming to fruition and is a testament to our strong commitment to combating climate change,” said Minoru Maeda, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Environmental and Safety Management Department, YKK Corporation. “At YKK, we strive to realize ‘better products at a lower cost and greater speed, more sustainably.’ To remain a socially responsible company, we pursue sustainability in all processes, from selecting environmentally friendly materials to manufacturing. We are accelerating our efforts to achieve net zero emissions through technological innovation. Moving forward, we will continue to work diligently with our partner companies and customers to build a more sustainable future.”
With the validation of its SBTi net-zero targets, YKK is set to accelerate and deepen its sustainability efforts under the YKK Sustainability Vision 2050 and guided by the YKK philosophy of the CYCLE OF GOODNESS®, which emphasizes that “No one prospers without rendering benefit to others.” For more information, visit YKK’s Sustainability Initiatives.
Read the press release announcing SBTi’s validation of YKK’s near-term GHG emission reduction targets in 2021 here — https://www.ykk.com/english/newsroom/g_news/2021/20210318.html
Posted: January 9, 2025
Source: YKK Corporation
