April 29, 2024
National Zipper Day is a holiday celebrated on April 29th every year in honor of the invention of the zipper by Gideon Sundback in 1913.
While you’re having fun (or going crazy) chasing Flambé’s maze of zippers, here’s some very cool facts about the world’s largest Zipper manufacturer ….. YKK.
The initials YKK stand for Yoshida Kōgyō Kabushiki (Kabushibibaisha), a Japanese business that owns the most popular zipper brand in the world. Because of its cutting-edge technology and reliable materials, YKK continues to dominate the fastener market worldwide.
Today, YKK produces more than 50% of zips worldwide. Zips may be easy to make; they may have not seen much innovation in the last fifty years, and they may be simple but (so far) no other zipper company can compete against the YKK monopoly.
YKK, founded in 1934, manufactures and produces about 10 billion zippers a year. The YKK Group consists of two main operations – 1) the fastening business, and 2) the architectural products business. The fastening business, includes zippers made for the apparel industry, comprises about 40% of its global business. The architectural products business, includes products for windows, doors, curtain walls, and even bridges and ocean clean-up products for the oil and gas industry, comprises the other 60%.
The largest zipper factory in the world! The YKK factory in Macon, Georgia has earned that label. This mega factory boasts 14 modern plants and over 900 employees, producing 7 million zippers a day. These zips, which come in more than 427 standard colors, total over 1,500 styles including a luxury style called Excella, where all of the parts are highly polished!
What’s so special about YKK Zippers? They are amazing in their ability to self-lubricate the more you use them. Have you ever had a zipper that becomes sticky and gritty over time? If you check the brand on the pull, it will always be some lesser make of zipper. “Sticky and gritty” are nasty characteristics experienced with a YKK. As a matter of fact, the YKK brand zips up and down more smoothly the more you use them!
After learning a bit about YKK (my curiosity at last satisfied), I immediately ran around to all of our closets checking for the brand …….. hey, they’re all YKK! Now it’s your turn …… Check your zipper pull tabs! Are they YKK? I’ll anxiously await your full report!
On and on and up and down! Because I put so much detail and time into my Steampunked Zentangle tangle, I was going to make Flambé’s post to commemorate National Zipper Day short and sweet. But because there’s so much information about Zippers, my fascination grew exponentially, much like my Zipper maze!
Hope you enjoy this abbreviated overview about Zippers! If you’re heading outdoors to ponder this fascinating technology, don’t forget to Zip Up!
a curious nature 
Ok, you’ve done it again! An absolutely fun tangle with zippers and an amazing read as well. I’ve known about the YKK zippers for years as a seamstress/sewer, that has been my preferred brand for a long time. Have a great day.
Sue
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Thanks so much Susan! I really learned a lot about zippers! Had no idea you were a professional seamstress …… very cool!
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Hi Barb, As always, curious Barb, delves into zippers, giving us some interesting information about them! I had thought the zipper Tangle pattern you used for snakeskin was “Keystone,” but it’s not. What’s the name of the pattern (the only one I know in your list is “Spoken”? I love the way it opens up to the dragon’s teeth at the ends! I also love seeing the line drawing without coloration. And… “Steampuncked” Tangles always make my day!!! Thank you!!! xo Robin
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I’ve always called my “ zipper” pattern Snakin’. Check it out. It may not be a perfect copy, but should look close! Playing with Steampunk is always loads of fun! I’m so glad the post made your day! And you made my day today too! I received your awesome package ….. check your email! Hugs!
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Barb, you continue to amaze me with your curiosity and your Zentangle talent! I indeed got tangled as I tried to follow the looped design, how fun. It reminded me of an Escher drawing. I loved learning about zippers — a subject I have never pondered, but prompted me to jump up in the middle of reading your post to check a few zippers in the closet! I saw YKK on quite a few, but it appears Levi’s has their own zipper. Interesting that they are self-lubricating, that is truly a benefit! Thanks for sharing this fascinating, eye-opening subject!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Karen, and had fun chasing the zippers around! What a bunch of fun facts about zippers ….. I learned so much! Levi’s having their own zipper brand is no surprise. Wonder if there is self lubricating?
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Seriously?!
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Yup! We seem to celebrate almost anything! Thanks for commenting!
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