The best material depends on the type of garment on which it will be applied, as well as the required washing performance and durability. In recent years, sustainability has also become an important factor in material selection.
Brass is the most commonly used raw material, as it offers an excellent response to electroplating finishes, is highly durable, and performs very well when customizations such as logos and engravings are required. From a sustainability perspective, brass generally contains a high percentage of recycled material.
Stainless steel does not rust and offers excellent resistance to washing, corrosion, and wear. For this reason, it is widely used not only in the garment industry but also in the marine sector. As it is a harder material, it is more difficult to process and customize. In terms of sustainability, stainless steel typically contains an even higher percentage of recycled content than brass and is valued for its long service life.
Copper is a more expensive and softer material, and it generally contains a lower percentage of recycled content compared to brass and stainless steel.
Zinc alloy (zamak) is widely used in the fashion industry because it allows the production of virtually any shape or logo with a high level of detail. However, it is heavier and less resistant than both brass and stainless steel