By: Megan Roberts
In a city like Los Angeles, where trends are born and sustainability is increasingly becoming a lifestyle, RENEW by Trinity is emerging as a beacon of innovation. This forward-thinking brand is revolutionizing the home décor industry by taking an everyday waste item—bamboo chopsticks—and turning it into beautifully designed, functional home goods. From chic coffee tables to elegant serving boards, RENEW by Trinity is showing that eco-friendly living can be stylish and sophisticated.
Founded with a mission to reduce waste and promote sustainability, RENEW has quickly made a name for itself among eco-conscious consumers, celebrities, and designers. The brand’s products are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a reminder of the impact we can have by making responsible choices. The brain behind this eco-luxury brand is Cze-Chao Tam, a visionary leader who has transformed what could be considered waste into coveted décor. In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Tam to learn more about her journey and the future of RENEW by Trinity.
Q: Cze-Chao, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us what inspired you to start RENEW by Trinity and how the idea of using chopsticks came about?
Cze-Chao Tam: Thank you for having me! RENEW started with a simple yet profound realization that we’re generating an incredible amount of waste. Bamboo chopsticks, in particular, are used once and then thrown away—globally, that adds up to about 1.5 billion discarded every week. I saw an opportunity to turn that waste into something beautiful and functional. By reclaiming chopsticks, we’re able to give them a second life as high-quality home goods. The idea is to rethink waste and show that it can be a valuable resource.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in leading a brand focused on sustainability?
Cze-Chao Tam: One of the biggest challenges has been shifting people’s perception of what sustainability can look like. A lot of consumers assume that eco-friendly products won’t be as stylish or durable, and we’re working to change that narrative. We’re proving that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. Another challenge is in logistics—collecting chopsticks from restaurants, processing them, and ensuring every piece meets our quality standards takes a lot of coordination. But it’s worth it when you see the final product and know the impact it’s having.
Q: The designs are both beautiful and functional. How do you approach the design process with sustainability in mind?
Cze-Chao Tam: We work closely with our design team to ensure that every product balances aesthetics with sustainability. Our goal is to create pieces that people want to have in their homes—not just because they’re eco-friendly, but because they’re beautiful and serve a purpose. We also consider the entire lifecycle of the product—from the moment we collect the chopsticks to the point where they’re used in someone’s home. Every step is designed to minimize waste and maximize impact.
Q: Are there other materials besides chopsticks that you’re looking to upcycle in the future?
Cze-Chao Tam: Yes! We’re currently exploring other single-use materials like used coffee grounds. We want to continue pushing the boundaries of what can be upcycled into something meaningful. Our goal is to find innovative ways to repurpose waste that’s often overlooked, and turn it into something functional and long-lasting. It’s about thinking creatively and finding new opportunities to reduce waste in everyday life.
Q: What’s next for RENEW by Trinity?
Cze-Chao Tam: We’re excited about expanding our product line and working with more diverse materials. We’re also focused on growing our partnerships with restaurants and businesses to ensure a steady supply of resources for our upcycling efforts. Our long-term goal is to inspire other brands and industries to embrace sustainable practices and see waste as an opportunity for innovation. We want to lead the way in showing that sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s the future.
As RENEW by Trinity continues to evolve, it’s clear that the brand’s impact is about more than just furniture—it’s about reshaping how we think about waste and sustainability. Under the leadership of Cze-Chao Tam, RENEW is setting new standards for what it means to create products that are both beautiful and eco-conscious. By turning something as simple as chopsticks into works of functional art, RENEW by Trinity is showing the world that the future of design is sustainable, and it’s here to stay.
For more information on RENEW by Trinity and to explore their full collection, visit renewbytrinity.com.
Published By: Aize Perez