ddp design fair

Please introduce us to Chigong, a space that creates healing and value.

Chigong is an eco-friendly brand that was created by combining the know-how of our manufacturer EKVISION, which has been supplying oral products to dental clinics and public health centers since 1998, with the collaboration of a designer who gained various experience in the design mecca of New York. It started with a vintage functional toothbrush and is growing to present a variety of upcycled products and sustainable lifestyle products. It started with toothbrushes and have grown to offer a wide range of upcycled and sustainable lifestyle products.

How did you and your father start the brand?

After living in the U.S. for a long time as a motion designer, I became frustrated with the lack of basic recycling and waste separation, and that was the beginning of Chigong. After returning to Korea, Chigong was born with the know-how of my father, who had been running a toothbrush manufacturing business in Korea since 1998, and my design and branding as a motion designer, and was first unveiled through Wadiz funding in July 2022. With the design of the toothbrush we broke away from the typical eco-friendly design and branding of toothbrushes, and captured a vintage and kitschy sensibility. 

Your products are kitschy and cool, but I hear you’re also serious about going green.

Chigong's first product, an eco-friendly toothbrush, utilizes PLA, a cornstarch-derived material that reduces carbon emissions by more than 70%. PLA breaks down in six months in certain climates and humidity, and is a compostable raw material and ingredient. The eco-friendly tongue cleaner is made from biomass, an eco-friendly element derived from sugarcane, and has the advantage of producing less harmful substances when incinerated. The eco-friendly charcoal bristle toothbrush has a PLA body with a refined wood grain texture and a curved, customizable handle for a secure grip. The fluoride-free toothpaste excludes 11 harmful ingredients such as ethanol and dyes, including CMIT, a toxin found in humidifier disinfectant, and inhibits cavity bacteria through natural ingredients such as pearl powder, grapefruit seed tea extract, and chamomile extract.

What is the concept of your theme hall booth?

In addition to the functional features of our eco-friendly products, we want to showcase our branding with a vintage and hip concept. Ordinary oral hygiene products can become interior accessories with a personalized touch, and we expect the newtro look to draw attention to both the products and the branding.

What is your vision and plans for the future?

Chigong started with oral hygiene products, but as a total lifestyle brand, we will continue to expand the category with other items. Currently, our upcoming products include vegan cosmetics, including hand creams and lip balms made with vegan ingredients, and we plan to expand into 'scent' related categories such as room sprays and diffusers in the future.