By: Olivia Grant
In a world where sustainability has become more than just a trend, RENEW by Trinity redefines how we think about waste and design. This innovative brand is transforming discarded bamboo chopsticks into functional, stylish home goods, proving that eco-conscious living can be elegant and sophisticated. From sleek coffee tables to minimalist serving boards, RENEW by Trinity has gained attention for its unique approach to upcycling and sustainable production. At the helm of this groundbreaking brand is Cze-Chao Tam, CEO of RENEW by Trinity, who is passionate about blending sustainability with style.
In an exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Tam to discuss the inspiration behind RENEW by Trinity, the challenges of running a sustainable brand, and her vision for the future.
Q: Cze-Chao, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us how RENEW by Trinity began and what inspired you to focus on upcycling chopsticks?
Cze-Chao Tam: Thank you for having me! The idea for RENEW really came from a desire to tackle the issue of waste in a creative way. Bamboo chopsticks are used once, often for just a few minutes, and then thrown away. Globally, about 1.5 billion chopsticks are discarded weekly—that’s a massive waste. I saw an opportunity to give these chopsticks a second life by turning them into something beautiful and functional for the home. The goal was to merge sustainability with high-quality design, and that’s how RENEW by Trinity was born.
Q: Why did you choose home décor as the focus for your upcycled products?
Cze-Chao Tam: Home décor felt like a natural fit because people interact with it daily. Your home is your sanctuary, and the items you fill it with should reflect your values. We wanted to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful in terms of their environmental impact. Every piece from RENEW tells a story—each product is made from reclaimed chopsticks, which means you’re bringing something into your home that has a positive effect on the environment. Plus, home décor allows us to explore various designs, from furniture to kitchenware, so endless possibilities exist.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in leading a sustainable brand like RENEW by Trinity?
Cze-Chao Tam: I’d say the biggest challenge is balancing sustainability with scalability. We’re committed to repurposing waste, but collecting, cleaning, and processing the chopsticks is a detailed and resource-intensive process. We want to grow and expand our product offerings, but we also have to stay true to our core values of sustainability. Another challenge is educating consumers—many people aren’t aware of the scale of the waste problem, so we want to help them see the impact they can have by supporting eco-conscious brands like RENEW. It’s about creating products that people love and also raising awareness about environmental responsibility.
Q: Can you walk us through turning chopsticks into products?
Cze-Chao Tam: Absolutely! It all starts with collecting used chopsticks from restaurants across North America. These chopsticks are sent to The Chop Shop, our facility in North Texas, where they go through a rigorous cleaning and sanitizing process. Once they’re thoroughly cleaned, we press them into panels that can be used to create various products, from tables to serving boards. The final step is the design process, where we ensure that each product is functional and meets our high standards for quality and aesthetics.
Q: What are some of the most popular products in the RENEW collection?
Cze-Chao Tam: Two of our best-selling items are the Gather + Graze Serving Board and the Chit Chat Coffee Table. The Gather + Graze is made from 265 reclaimed chopsticks and is perfect for entertaining—it’s sleek, modern, and a great conversation piece. The Chit Chat Coffee Table is another standout. It’s made from hundreds of chopsticks and has a minimalist design that fits beautifully into any home. Each product is engraved with the number of chopsticks used in its creation, so you can see exactly how much waste you’ve helped divert from landfills.
Q: Are there any new materials or product lines that RENEW is exploring?
Cze-Chao Tam: We’re always seeking new ways to expand our upcycling efforts. Right now, we’re experimenting with other single-use materials, like coffee grounds. We want to push the boundaries of what can be repurposed and continue innovating in the sustainability space. We aim to take items people don’t think twice about throwing away and turn them into something beautiful and functional for their homes. We’re excited to see where that takes us in the future.
Q: What’s next for RENEW by Trinity? Where do you see the brand in the coming years?
Cze-Chao Tam: We’re focused on expanding our reach and introducing new product lines. We want to continue partnering with restaurants and businesses to source materials for our upcycling process. Our long-term goal is to make RENEW by Trinity a leader in sustainable design and inspire other brands to adopt similar practices. We believe sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future, and we want to lead the way in showing how beautiful and impactful eco-friendly products can be.
With RENEW by Trinity, Cze-Chao Tam is proving that sustainability can be both stylish and practical. Her commitment to transforming waste into elegant home goods is inspiring a new wave of eco-conscious consumers. As the brand continues to grow, its innovative approach to upcycling will undoubtedly influence how we think about waste and sustainability in the years to come.
For more information on RENEW by Trinity and to explore their full collection, visit renewbytrinity.com.
Published By: Aize Perez
