About
We no longer strive to be ‘sustainable’
At AIZOME, we no longer strive to be ‘sustainable’. Sustainable is no longer enough. Instead, our vision to create healthy, plant-made textiles is rooted in omoiyari – the Japanese concept of honoring one’s relationship to all things.
Omoiyari - 思いやり- consideration, compassion; to anticipate the needs of others with empathy and thoughtful awareness.
Omoiyari anchors our decision-making in deep relational care and accountability, and in the thrilling possibility that there is a better way for humans – and a better future possible for all.
Omoiyari has grown our understanding of impact and interconnectedness, transforming our expectations of business along the way. At AIZOME, we nurture a radical belief in possibility – rooted in respect and celebration.
When the mother of our co-founder, Michel, was diagnosed with cancer, treatments caused her skin to become extremely sensitive. As she spent more and more time in bed, unrelenting skin irritation led to tremendous discomfort. A doctor explained that the source of her irritation was likely the dark, synthetic dye in her bed sheets; her weakened immune system could no longer protect her skin from the harsh chemicals embedded in the fibers. Switching her sheets to undyed textile significantly decreased her skin irritation, offering her a bit more comfort along her journey with terminal illness.
Michel was struck by the impact textile had upon his mother’s quality of life. Driven to learn more, he and his partner (and AIZOME co-founder) Misa began to ask questions, but pulling at the metaphorical threads of the textile industry revealed an alarming lack of transparency that hid substantial environmental and human harm. Misa is originally from Japan; Michel from Germany. Michel had been living in Japan for 10 years when they met, connecting over a shared love of craftsmanship. Together, they created AIZOME. Now married, they live in Munich with their beloved pup, Ella, and two cats Butter and Marky.