Epson, in collaboration with Yuima Nakazato and YKK, has developed a new material for use in zipper tapes, broadening its potential applications. The material was featured in Inferno, the latest collection by Yuima Nakazato, unveiled during Paris Haute Couture Week 2026.
Epson entered into a partnership with Yuima Nakazato in 2022 and has supported the creation of the fashion house’s collections using Epson’s digital textile printing technology and DFT. Together with fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, Epson has been working toward the realization of high-quality, sustainable fashion that meets diverse individual needs while reducing environmental impact, according to the company.
DFT was originally commercialized for paper recycling, but beginning in January 2023, Epson started using it to convert used garments and mill ends into fibers, from which new non-woven fabric sheets could be produced. Yuima Nakazato has continuously presented creations incorporating these non-woven fabric sheets in its collections.
Through ongoing efforts to optimize fiber length and sheet thickness, as well as to validate pigment ink printing using Epson’s digital textile printing technology, Epson said it achieved both durability and aesthetic quality. In 2025, these efforts culminated in the commercialization by Yuima Nakazato of sneakers incorporating non-woven fabric sheets.
In this latest initiative, Epson applied the non-woven fabric sheets to zipper tapes for the first time, aiming to explore their potential for broader uses. Because the sheets differ structurally from conventional woven zipper tapes, existing manufacturing methods could not be applied directly. Building on insights gained through previous development efforts, Epson and YKK worked together to evaluate and optimize the strength, flexibility, and thickness required for zipper applications.
By optimizing the structural design and processing conditions to suit the characteristics of the non-woven fabric sheets, the partners ensured smooth zipper operability and realized the concept as part of Excella, YKK’s metal zipper line.
Epson said it will continue creating new value with partners through technological innovation and engineering based on its efficient, compact and precise technologies and philosophy, with efforts toward broader societal implementation aimed at driving transformation across society and industry.
