“Sharing phase” has just begun

Jun 27, 2023

Now is the time to spread the word about the REVECOL® responsible innovation and make a difference in the textile industry

ERCA successfully showcased their latest product during the recent ITMA 2023 exhibition, taking the opportunity to share with ITMA visitors the journey that stood behind the creation of REVECOL®.

Thanks to the high tech and pioneering manufacturing process, REVECOL® transforms critical waste materials (exhausted vegetable oils) into a line of innovative and responsible chemical auxiliaries destined for the entire textile industry and its various applications, offeringunique characteristics: circular DNA, certification, safety, high performance, competitivity and applicability on any type of textile fiber, whether virgin or recycled.

Two of the industry’s best-known brands, Patagonia® and trim supplier YKK teamed up with ERCA to deploy REVECOL® in their manufacturing process. This unique alliance was presented to ITMA visitors as an example of what the industry can achieve through collaborative practices.

Now, however, it’s time to share REVECOL® by ERCA’s responsible innovation with a wider audience in order to make a genuine difference.

Figure 1 – Giusy Bettoni, Matt Swartz, Fabio Locatelli and Mike Maekawa after the talk

The process of sharing REVECOL® with the industry really started with the announcement of ERCA’s partnership with  Patagonia® and YKK and deepened during the inspiring in person session Upcycling Minds Think Alike moderated by Giusy Bettoni, CEO and Founder, C.L.A.S.S. (Creativity, Lifestyle and Sustainable Synergy), and which saw the participation of Matt Swartz, Color and Material Quality Manager of Patagonia®, Fabio Locatelli, Head of ERCA, Textile Specialties Business Unit and Mike Maekawa, Sales and Business Development Manager, YKK Vietnam.

During the talk, each participant spoke about how the partnership will benefit the industry at large.

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,” said Matt Swartz, Color and Material Quality Manager of Patagonia®.

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,” said Mike Maekawa, Sales and Business Development Manager of YKK Vietnam.

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,” ended Fabio Locatelli, Head of ERCA Textile Specialties Business Unit.

Responsible innovations like REVECOL® find success when they are embraced and adopted by other industry players. Success is measured by how widely the market utilizes these advancements and what their ultimate impact on the environment is. It is vitally important that new sustainable products and technologies are used on a large scale, otherwise, true change hasn’t taken place and tangible benefits cannot be measured.

Figure 2 – YKK trim for Patagonia® with REVECOL® by ERCA

So, now is the perfect time to share REVECOL®, a next generation advancement, across the market as a whole and to as many end consumers as possible.

After all, when it comes to sustainability, the key to success is in strategic partnerships and sharing advancements within the industry, with an eye to expanding it on a mass scale.

For further information please contact:

C.L.A.S.S.

(+39) 393 9468964, press@classecohub.org

Jessica Cork, YKK Corporation of America

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

About ERCA SPA

ERCA Group is an Italian innovation-driven chemical group that runs its business on worldwide basis with a responsible DNA. 6 plants within Europe, Latin America and Asia which focus on the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical specialties and chemical intermediates. A cutting-edge research and development center where chemical specialties and chemical intermediates are conceived and engineered to become circular ingredients for the contemporary sustainable industry. R&D is where innovation is circularly shaped and achieved. ERCA Group is producing REVECOL®, the breakthrough circular chemical auxiliaries range for textile; available at ERCA TCS.

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

About ERCA TCS – www.ercatcs.com

ERCA TCS is 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.

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.