1500+ harmful chemicals are used in textile production. Japanese startup AIZOME has developed a dyeing method that uses only water, plants, and ultrasound, to create textiles that are not only less harmful, but even come with health benefits. But how can a small startup stand out among all the sustainability claims? And so, waste became the medium to prove AIZOME’s claim — through an intimate skincare experience. As an unconventional demonstration of the benefits of AIZOME’s textiles, WASTECARE delivers the message to industry leaders through the benefits of its waste.

1500+ harmful chemicals are used in textile production. Japanese startup AIZOME has developed a dyeing method that uses only water, plants, and ultrasound, to create textiles that are not only less harmful, but even come with health benefits. But how can a small startup stand out among all the sustainability claims?

WASTECARE™ — the first skincare product that is industrial wastewater from textile dyeing. Straight from the factory, the wastewater is tested and certified according to dermatological standards. Bottled and packaged like a high-end beauty product, it was shipped out to key opinion leaders in textile, fashion, and healthcare with the goal of forming partnerships to eliminate toxic chemicals in the industry.

AIZOME’s process doesn’t just eliminate the use of toxic chemicals in textile dyeing but also creates value, as the usage of medicinal plants results in textiles and waste that come with health benefits. Their process can change the face of textile dyeing and production. But first AIZOME had to find a way to stand out in a sea of sustainability claims. Which is why skincare was selected as the medium. Skincare is an intimate product, and in contrast to waste, it is regarded as something with value. By presenting waste as skincare, AIZOME is proving that even their worst was value, leaving one to imagine the effects of the textiles.

WASTECARE™ was shipped out to key opinion leaders in fashion, textile, and healthcare. The main goal was to collaborate with designers, producers, and decision and help make the industry more sustainable.

WASTECARE™ is a dermatologically certified skincare product. A few drops of organically grown natural stabilizers and preservatives (citric acid) were added to the original industrial wastewater to guarantee usability after shipping. Each stage of unboxing allows the user to get closer to the story of AIZOME through data visualization, fabric, and finally, the face serum.

The package is made from recycled cardboard, eliminating the need for an additional shipping box. Each side of the editorial folder uses data to illustrate Japanese plant-based dyeing and its reinvention with the development of AIZOME ULTRA™. The custom Ultra One type, used for titles, combines ultrasound frequency waves with traditional Mincho typeface, reflecting the unification of tradition and science.

200 exclusive packs were shipped out to leaders working for brands including Adidas, UNIQLO, Pangaia, SKIMS, and more.

WASTECARE™ gained over 110 million media impressions while also generating interest from consumers. Thanks to popular demand, AIZOME is in talks with skincare companies to roll out the product to the public. WASTECARE™ was sent to key opinion leaders in textile, fashion, and healthcare, which resulted in a 94% response rate, 44 new business opportunities, and 3 new investors. WASTECARE™ delivered the ultimate proof: Even our waste is good for you.

AIZOME believes that textiles should not only be less toxic or simply safe but actually beneficial for both people and the planet. WASTECARE™ is AIZOME’s message for the industry to eliminate synthetic chemicals in textile production. This is proof that it is indeed possible to manufacture healthy textiles that are good for the environment, the workers, as well as the wearers.

Targeted at other decision-makers in the textile industry, WASTECARE™ starts the conversation around eliminating toxicity while offering an innovative solution.

AIZOME is a Japanese-German startup, named for the millennia-old Japanese plant-based dyeing method “aizome” that made use of water and natural indigo. Revered for its wound-healing properties in Samurai armor. But the invention of synthetic dyes marked the decline of aizome. Today, only five aizome masters remain in Tokushima, Japan.

AIZOME reinvented this method with ultrasound to ensure that color and health benefits actually last. While textile innovations focus on solving isolated problems, AIZOME tackles the whole production and consumption process. It doesn’t just eliminate a problem but creates value as well by producing textiles that are not only less harmful but even beneficial. Skincare is an intimate product, and in contrast to waste, it is regarded as something with high value. By presenting waste as skincare, AIZOME proves that even their worst has a positive impact.