Sustainability
Sustainability Initiatives
At Hikobe Science, we believe it is our responsibility to encourage and support responsible choices. When it comes to sustainability, we don't focus on a single product or material, but aim to act as responsibly as possible throughout our supply chain. We also think about the lifespan of our products, and want our lights to be used as long as possible, passed on to future generations, and repaired when necessary.
Sustainable Design
Our designs do not follow the trends of the day, but pursue universal trends in materials, colors, and designs. Our designs match modern spaces even if they were designed decades ago. We also see products sold decades ago being used today.
Made in Japan
We have continued our production in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, where our company was established in 1956. Kiryu City, Gunma, where our company is located, has a history of over 500 years as a textile town. Our thread winding technology is an application of weaving technology. Our unique thread winding technology is special, and Hikobe Kagaku has been constantly refining its techniques. It takes a craftsman about five years to fully master our thread winding technology. Hikobe Kagaku products will continue to be manufactured in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture.
Quality and Materials
The shades, made using a unique manufacturing process, are extremely strong and will not break easily. The main shade parts can be wiped clean with water to remove dirt that may have accumulated over time, allowing them to be used for generations. Most of the parts are also manufactured in Japan, and we are doing our part, however small, to support the maintenance and development of domestic industry.
Thread
We use various threads depending on the product, but all of them are high quality. The main lampshades are made of fiberglass. We also use various other threads, including wooden threads made from thinned wood. Wooden threads are made from domestic wood. Although about 70% of the land area of Japan is forested, most of the thinned wood is left untouched. The wooden threads we use are made from 100% washi paper made from domestic thinned wood (coniferous trees). While the domestic textile industry imports from overseas, we will build a sustainable circular business by utilizing threads made from domestic thinned wood.
Steel
We use various metals to make our lighting the most beautiful. All metal parts are produced by manufacturers in Japan according to certain conditions such as normal methods and materials. Some of the metal manufacturers have been involved in lighting for decades, and the quality of their products is very high.