YKK AP America introduces the BetterBillet™ – a smarter start to a lower-carbon building envelope

YKK AP’s exclusive aluminum billet delivers on carbon reduction and quality control, setting a new benchmark for responsible aluminum sourcing in the built environment

April 7, 2025 – YKK AP America today introduces the BetterBillet™, a unique billet comprised of recycled aluminum scrap and aluminum sourced from low carbon suppliers. Fully produced in the U.S., BetterBillet represents a major advancement in YKK AP’s sustainability efforts – moving away from fossil-fuel-produced aluminum while maintaining quality and consistency.

“BetterBillet is a manifestation of our deep commitment to sustainability, quality and innovation,” said Raymond Shelton, chief sustainability officer, YKK AP America Inc. “By taking full control of our production processes, we’re reducing environmental impact and delivering superior materials that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

The BetterBillet will move the company’s sustainability efforts forward with two core benefits:

• Low carbon sourcing: YKK AP uses vertically integrated manufacturing processes, melting and casting its own aluminum billets in-house. This enables the company to develop the BetterBillet with an average of 40 percent recycled aluminum along with primary aluminum of which at least 80 percent is purchased from low-carbon, North American suppliers.
• Full control of manufacturing and production processes: YKK AP maintains tighter control of alloy chemical composition than industry standards, providing superior mechanical properties and consistent anodized color finishes.

BetterBillet™ also plays a pivotal role in YKK AP’s “Evolution 2030” initiative, announced in 2023. This forward-looking program focuses on reducing environmental impact through carbon reduction, creating new value for customers through high-quality, sustainable offerings, and prioritizing employee well-being all as part of a responsible corporate strategy.

As part of its purpose to Build a Better Society, YKK AP has now integrated BetterBillet™ into all of its commercial products in the U.S. Plans to offer BetterBillet™ to the broader manufacturing community are forthcoming.

To learn more about YKK AP’s environmental practices, go to https://www.ykkap.com/commercial/company/environmental-social-responsibility/.

ABOUT YKK AP AMERICA

YKK AP America Inc. is a leading manufacturer of award-winning commercial facade systems and residential windows and doors. Its purpose is to build a better society through architectural products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, all building products are manufactured in the company’s world-class production facilities located in Dublin, Ga., Macon, Ga., and Lakeshore, Ontario. Together with its subsidiary brand, Erie Architectural Products (Erie AP), the company serves architects, glazing contractors, homebuilders, and resellers across the country. YKK AP America Inc. is a subsidiary of YKK AP Inc., a global architectural products company based in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, visit ykkap.com.

# # #