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+ Posted on 2023

Upcycling Minds Think Alike: ERCA, Patagonia, and

YKK team up to deploy circularity with the chem-tech
innovation REVECOL®
ITMA 2023 – June 8-14, 2023 – Hall H5, Booth A201

Tokyo, Japan (May 24, 2023) – ERCA SPA, Patagonia, and YKK announce the successful implementation of ERCA’s
REVECOL®, a sustainable, innovative chemical agent, in YKK’s dyeing processes at its 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, who introduced the ERCA
REVECOL® technology to YKK.  

“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.” 

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Matt Swartz, Patagonia®
Color and Material Quality Manager

Fabio Locatelli, Head of ERCA

Textile Specialties Business Unit

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 and 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 products. 

“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%, 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 

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Mike Maekawa, Sales and Business Development
Manager of YKK Vietnam

For further information, contact: 

C.L.A.S.S. press@classecohub.org +390276018402

Jessica Cork, YKK Corporation of America 

(+1) 770-261-6123, jessicacork@YKK.com 

About ERCA SPA 

ERCA GROUP, a global leader in the production and supply of chemical auxiliaries for the textile industry, began its
technological adventure by investing in the development of REVECOL®, from kitchen to boutique, “from gray to
green,” this is the record of responsible innovation of the Grassobbio (BG) company. Founded in the 1960s, ERCA is
now present in 3 macro-regions – Europe, Latin America and Asia – with 6 factories presiding over its territorial
scope. The ERCA group has a turnover of 150 ml/ Euro and employs 350 people worldwide, 100 of them in the
Grassobbio plant alone. 

About ERCA TCS – www.ercatcs.com

ERCA TCS 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.  

  
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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. 

Revecol is a trademark of E.R.C.A. ESPERIENZE RICERCHE CHIMICHE APPLICATE S.P.A.

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