The tooth have been redesigned, the manufacturing course of rewritten, and new equipment developed to connect the closure to clothes. “The absence of the tape posed varied manufacturing challenges,” Nishizaki says. “We needed to develop new manufacturing gear and a devoted stitching machine for integration.” The consequence: a lighter, extra versatile system that reduces materials use and environmental impression in contrast with an ordinary Vislon zipper.
Early adopters are already experimenting. Descente Japan, identified for technical sportswear, was among the many first to prototype AiryString in 2022. The North Face has chosen the system to be used in its new Summit Sequence Superior Mountain Package. Smaller manufacturers like Earthletica, an eco-conscious swim and efficiency label, have additionally examined it, describing the zipper as “tender, versatile, and nearly silent.”
The impact is outwardly tactile. Clothes transfer extra naturally, lie flatter towards the physique, and really feel much less mechanical. “We repeatedly conduct sturdiness and power exams by stitching AiryString and typical zippers into varied materials,” Nishizaki says. “By way of usability, AiryString provides a lot smoother operability.” That interprets to a softer, slicker glide—the satisfying pull that separates a well-made jacket from an inexpensive one.
Little Elements, Huge Change
On the manufacturing facility ground, the advantages add up, too. Conventional zippers devour further material and dye and require a number of stitching passes. By eradicating the tape, YKK says it trims each materials and labor. “It contributes to decreasing work in prospects’ stitching processes,” Nishizaki says. “It additionally reduces fiber use and water consumption within the dyeing course of, decreasing CO₂ emissions.”
The mathematics provides up quick. YKK provides a 100% recycled-material model of AiryString and claims measurable cuts to greenhouse gasoline emissions and water utilization. The impression is magnified by scale: The corporate operates in 71 international locations and areas, and its trademark is registered in 177. Whenever you make billions of zippers a 12 months, these small efficiencies ripple globally.