Youngone, a leading outdoor and athletic clothing company based in South Korea, has won four awards in the Innovation, Investment, Environmental, and Social categories in the 2024 Just Style Excellence Awards.
The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the industry. Powered by the business intelligence of GlobalData, the programme provides a platform to recognise the people and companies that are driving change.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Youngone won the awards due to its innovative approach to sustainable materials, significant investments in global expansion, environmental conservation efforts, and social outreach programmes.
Revolutionising eco-friendly insulation with EcoLoft technologies
Youngone’s EcoLoft ZERO Fill, a 100% recycled, dye-free polyester insulation, and EcoLoft Natural WoolPok, a sustainable blend of recycled wool and naturally hollow Kapok fibres, have garnered the innovation award for their exceptional sustainable attributes and contribution to eco-friendly apparel solutions.
EcoLoft ZERO Fill’s use of 100% recycled, dye-free polyester is a game-changer for reducing waste and chemical usage in the apparel industry. Its unique production process retains the original fabric’s colour, reducing the need for additional dyeing and conserving water resources.
EcoLoft Natural WoolPok combines recycled wool with naturally hollow Kapok fibres, minimising carbon and methane emissions. This blend not only enhances warmth and weight, but also contributes to the insulation’s biodegradability, further cementing Youngone’s position as an innovator in eco-conscious materials. The ZQ-certified natural wool used in EcoLoft Natural WoolPok ensures traceability and minimises waste from excess fabric scraps, while the double bonding process prevents fibre migration, enhancing the durability of the insulation.
Expanding global footprint with strategic investment in India
Youngone’s strategic investment in India, marked by the groundbreaking of a new facility in Telangana, has earned them the Investment award. The $120 million investment not only diversifies Youngone’s manufacturing operations, but also taps into the world’s largest consumer market. Situated in the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park of the Warangal district, the project is set to create over 10,000 jobs and is expected to produce approximately 15 million garments annually.
The Telangana facility is part of Youngone’s wholly-owned Indian subsidiary Evertop Textile and Apparel Complex Private Limited. Being developed on 297 acres of land allocated by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, the facility incorporates sustainable design features such as wastewater harvesting, solar panels, low power consumption equipment, and efficient waste management systems. These eco-friendly practices are in line with Youngone’s philosophy of creating a comfortable working environment while maintaining environmental responsibility.
Youngone’s investment in India is complemented by its ambitious plans in Bangladesh, where it has played a pivotal role in the development of the ready-made garment industry over the past 40 years. The company plans to invest over $500 million in a state-of-the-art IT Park and Textile hub in the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ). It is expected to generate employment for an additional 20,000-30,000 people and includes the construction of 16 IT buildings (24-storey each), universities, schools, a community complex, and serviced apartments with the goal of catalysing the growth of Bangladesh’s IT sector through education, training, and human resource development.
Championing environmental stewardship and conservation
Youngone’s investment in Bangladesh’s largest rooftop solar panel array, with a current capacity of 32MWp and plans to increase to approximately 45MWp is an example of its dedication to sustainable development and carbon emissions reduction. The company is also transforming the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) into a verdant, biodiverse industrial zone. By converting 2,500 acres of barren land into a productive and ecologically rich area, Youngone has created a habitat for local species and a green lung that enhances the region’s biodiversity.
In addition to these large-scale projects, Youngone has undertaken the meticulous restoration of the 16th Century Baro Sardar Bari heritage site, which has now become a significant tourist attraction. The establishment of the KEPZ Botanical Gardens, which spans 40 acres and will feature over 500 different plant and tree species by 2024, is another initiative that reflects Youngone’s dedication to environmental education and the conservation of native, rare, and endangered species.
Complementing these initiatives is the sophisticated water management plant within KEPZ, which treats effluent, ensuring that the zone’s impact on the surrounding environment is mitigated. Youngone’s agricultural practices, which involve growing produce to feed its workforce, not only promote self-sufficiency but also reduce the environmental impact associated with transporting food.
Advancing social welfare through employee-focused initiatives
Youngone’s contribution to social welfare is reflected in its comprehensive and employee-centric initiatives. The company’s collaboration with VisionSpring, a notable social enterprise, to provide free eye examinations and corrective eyewear has significantly improved the quality of life for thousands of its workers. The initiative, which was supported by a customer of Youngone, is part of a broader effort to address the often-overlooked issue of visual health in the garment industry, ensuring that employees can perform their duties safely and effectively.
In partnership with Mamata, a well-established NGO, Youngone has implemented a multifaceted programme that not only provides essential healthcare services, but also facilitates access to micro-finance facilities. The initiative empowers employees to better manage their finances and invest in their future, whether for educational purposes, home improvements, or other personal needs. Additionally, the establishment of childcare services through this partnership has been a boon for working parents, allowing them to focus on their work knowing their children are in safe and nurturing environments.
Furthermore, Youngone has launched menstrual hygiene management training for its female workforce, a critical step towards breaking down societal taboos and promoting open discussions on menstrual health. The initiative was supported by one of Youngone’s customers and is complemented by the construction of female toilets in schools and colleges, particularly in underdeveloped areas, directly impacting educational attendance rates and empowering young girls to continue their education without interruption.
“On behalf of the entire Youngone management team, I would like to thank and congratulate everyone at Youngone worldwide for this wonderful achievement. I am so proud of everyone, for winning four awards at this year’s Just Style Excellence Awards. This accolade is especially pleasing given it’s our 50th anniversary. These awards clearly demonstrate the level of hard work and commitment by everyone across the organisation. Youngone has managed to maintain its position as one of the world’s largest producers of outdoor wear, sportswear, shoes, and bags for many of the world’s most beloved brands by continuing to innovate and finding new ways to delight our customers. Our philosophy revolves around innovation, sustainable growth, protecting the environment and mutual development. A philosophy that has served us well, and we will continue to strengthen over the next 50 years and beyond.”
– Kihak Sung, Chairman and CEO, Youngone Group
Company Profile
Founded by Chairman Kihak Sung in 1974 in South Korea, the Youngone Group is listed as Youngone Corporation (KRX: 111770) and Youngone Holdings (KRX: 009970) on the Korea Exchange. The company started out by making down-filled winter jackets and ski suits for European customers. Since then, Youngone has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of outdoor clothing, sportswear, shoes, bags, and accessories for many of the world’s leading brands. It is now a group of companies with over 90,000 employees in 17 markets.
Youngone became the first company to establish a privately-owned export processing zone in Bangladesh; the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), which is the company’s flagship production facility. The formerly barren 2,500-acre site has been transformed into a lush industrial zone with the planting of over 2.5 million trees and plants from over 400 species. As a result, 25 water bodies have been created with nearly one billion gallons of rainwater harvested, and the area has become home to more than 130 varieties of birds and wildlife. Work has also begun on a textile institute, a high-tech park, a botanical garden, and a 500-bed medical complex at the KEPZ.
Around 20 years ago, Youngone embarked on a strategy to diversify its manufacturing bases in order to best serve its customers, as well as providing resilience to support business continuity. The company now manufactures in six countries, Bangladesh, Vietnam, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, and most recently, Youngone started manufacturing garments at its new facility in the Telangana region of India.
Contact Details
Website: https://www.youngone.co.kr/
Links
