From Nature to Nurture: The AIZOME Textile Approach to Healthier Living

AIZOME Textile, a Japanese textile start-up based in Chicago with offices in Japan and Germany, specializes in manufacturing and selling bedding products like bed sheets and pillowcases. These products, in addition to being GOTS-certified organic cotton, are made without any synthetic chemicals achieved through a dyeing technology rooted in traditional Japanese indigo dyeing. We recently spoke with the company's co-founders, Michel and Misa May.

The Beginnings of AIZOME

AIZOME's story is deeply personal. Co-founder Michel's journey began amidst his mother's cancer battle when she suffered severe skin reactions from synthetic dyes in her textiles. Michel recalls, "Caring for my ailing mother, I witnessed the adverse effects of traditional textile dyes on her skin, revealing the health hazards of petrochemical dyes prevalent in most fabrics."

Spurred by this experience, Michel relocated to Japan to meet his business and life partner, Misa. Together, they sought to redefine the textile industry. Leveraging Michel's medical research expertise and Japan's rich heritage in indigo dyeing, they pioneered a new line of textiles dyed exclusively with plant-made colors.

Michel states, "Conventional bedding, even with organic labels, often relies on petrochemical synthetic coloring. In contrast, AIZOME is committed to using only natural materials like plants and minerals. We're highly conscious of the impact of textiles, especially on those with sensitive skin. In the U.S., about 25% of people annually deal with chronic skin conditions. The textile industry's lack of transparency,  limited to basic fiber content and care instructions, hides potential skin irritants like pesticides and formaldehyde. We aim for transparency and eschew all petroleum-derived products, setting us apart as a unique player in the textile industry."

AIZOME stands out for its dedication to natural materials. Unlike typical organic bedding that might use petrochemical dyes, AIZOME opts for plant-made dyes, prominently featuring indigo. This strategy, along with periodic wastewater testing, ensures their products are free from toxic substances linked to plastics and other harmful chemicals. Designed for sensitive skin, AIZOME bedding represents a health-conscious lifestyle choice.

The company's approach to dye selection extends beyond aesthetics. Each dye, chosen for its medicinal properties, enhances the product's health benefits. For example, indigo is renowned for its antibacterial properties and historical use in various traditional medicines. Rose Rubiais is dyed from madder, a plant known for regulating blood circulation. AIZOME bedding isn't just decorative; it's designed to be "healthcare you can wear."

A Fusion of Tradition and Technology: AIZOME ULTRA™

In 2018, AIZOME introduced AIZOME ULTRA™ technology, a significant advancement in overcoming the limitations of indigo-dyed fabrics, such as color fading and loss of medicinal properties through washing. Utilizing 52.5 Hz ultrasound in the dyeing process, this method generates microbubbles in the dye solution, enhancing the bonding of indigo components. This technology minimizes environmental impact and water usage and allows for the mass production of high-quality products.