█ YKK Philosophy & Sustainability

YKK’s Founder, Tadao Yoshida

The Philosophy ofYKK’s Founder, Tadao Yoshida
YKK is constantly pursuing contributing to abelieved that unless we benefit society as a whole, wesustainable society through its core business. The

will not be able to prosper ourselves.

foundation of all such corporate activities is the Cycle

and “trash can be a great resource if it is utilized withTadao Yoshida. This philosophy clearly expresses

ingenuity” are linked to environmental consideration,

YKK’s spirit of continuing to prosper together withand the words “the strength of a forest is better thansociety, customers, related industries, and employees.

a big tree” are linked to respect for human rights andIt is a concept that is highly compatible withindividuality.

sustainability. The founder repeatedly conveyed theA philosophy that is highly compatible withessence of this corporate philosophy to employees,

sustainability has been at the core of YKK’s

speaking of it in various ways.

management since the time of the founder. ItTadao Yoshida’s words, “business is like building abridge,” which are connected to the Cycle of Goodness,
can be understood in terms of sustainability, as he07

The words “manufacturing like clear spring water”

of Goodness® corporate philosophy of YKK founderThis is YKK 2023

continues to be inherited at the company even today,
more than 80 years later.

YKK Philosophy & Sustainability

Value Creation

Business Strategy

Platform

Data

Business is like buildinga bridge

Manufacturing like clear
spring water(July 1965)
I don’t think that a business will prosper unless it isboth profitable and also contributes to the world and isuseful to human society. Nothing brings more happinessthan when we can contribute to the local industry andthe local economy, thereby enriching the lives of localpeople. YKK’s “bridges” that bring abundant civilization
to developing countries and new affluence to developed
countries will continue in the future.

(January 1984)
Like a wonderful fountain, it bubbles forth, rich andauthentic. This is true abundance. The important thing
is not to waste valuable resources. Then it will be agreat product.

The strength of the forest
is greater than the trees

If we make use of ouringenuity, even our waste
can be a great resource(July 1970)
Some trees are thick with experience and age, others areyoung and thin. There are tall trees and short trees. We
work well together, not under the control of anyone, using
our strengths and abilities according to our individuality.
(January 1971)
The first thing we should do is think about how to better
deal with waste from our own neighborhoods andimplement those ideas together. If we continue digging
for underground resources, cutting down trees, catching
fish, and increasing oceans where fish can’t live as we aredoing now, it will mean the destruction of humanity.

This is YKK 202308

█ YKK Philosophy & Sustainability

From the Cycle of Goodness®
to a Sustainable Futureclimate change
・Tackle GHG emissions
・Increase use of renewable energy
In order to combat global climate change, YKK commits to greenhouse gas emissions
reduction targets that are required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – to limit
global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit
warming to 1.5°C.

material resources
・Increase use of sustainable materials
YKK will reduce waste and the use of petroleum derived materials throughout the lifecycleof our fastening products. We will contribute to the transition to a circular society byeliminating production and plastic waste and developing products designed for circularity.

water resources
・Reduce water use and manage wastewater
To combat serious water resource depletion and degradation, YKK will reduce its water
intakes and strictly manage wastewater.

chemical management
・Manage and reduce chemical usage
To ensure a healthy environment for future generations, YKK will reduce the environmentalimpact caused by chemicals used in the manufacture of our products.

respect people
・Uphold human rights and ensure fair, safe work environments
YKK believes in the universal philosophy of respecting the dignity and rights of all humanbeings and is committed to contributing to a diverse and sustainable society.

09This is YKK 2023

YKK Philosophy & Sustainability

Value Creation

Business Strategy

Platform

Data

Aiming for Climate
Neutrality as a Company
that Co-exists andCo-prospers withSociety and the NaturalEnvironmentSDGs

This is YKK 2023

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