By: Melissa Carter
In the heart of Hollywood’s eco-conscious movement, RENEW by Trinity is making waves by turning discarded bamboo chopsticks into stunning home goods. As more people, including celebrities, turn to sustainable living, this innovative brand is paving the way for eco-friendly elegance. Today, we sit down with Cze-Chao Tam, CEO of RENEW by Trinity, to learn more about the inspiration behind the brand and how upcycling can lead to luxury.
Q: Cze-Chao, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us how RENEW by Trinity got its start and why you chose to focus on chopsticks?
Cze-Chao Tam: Thank you! RENEW began out of a desire to do something meaningful with waste. When we looked at the numbers, we saw that 1.5 billion chopsticks are discarded weekly worldwide. It’s staggering. We realized that these single-use items could be repurposed into something much more valuable. Bamboo chopsticks, in particular, are strong and durable, so they’re perfect for creating long-lasting home décor. That’s how RENEW by Trinity was born—out of a need to reduce waste and turn it into something beautiful.
Q: Hollywood has embraced eco-conscious living. How has RENEW by Trinity become a part of that trend?
Cze-Chao Tam: Hollywood is all about trends, and thankfully, sustainability is one that’s here to stay. Celebrities want their homes to reflect their values, and RENEW offers them a way to do that. Our products, like the Gather + Graze Serving Board and the Chit Chat Coffee Table, are both stylish and sustainable. When stars can combine luxury with environmental responsibility, it creates a ripple effect. We’re proud to be part of that movement, offering them products they love that also help reduce waste.
Q: Your pieces are both functional and stylish. How do you balance sustainability with luxury in your designs?
Cze-Chao Tam: That’s a great question. Sustainability and luxury don’t have to be opposites. We focus on clean, modern designs that fit into any home while using materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Each product is carefully crafted, whether it’s a coffee table made from hundreds of chopsticks or a serving board that tells a story. We engrave the number of chopsticks used on every product to remind people of the impact they’re making by choosing RENEW by Trinity.
Q: You’ve mentioned repurposing chopsticks, but are there other materials RENEW is looking to upcycle in the future?
Cze-Chao Tam: Yes, we’re always exploring new materials to upcycle. Right now, we’re experimenting with used coffee grounds, which is really exciting. It’s part of our larger mission to find creative ways to reduce waste and turn everyday items into something functional and beautiful. The possibilities are endless, and we’re committed to continuing to innovate in the sustainability space.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge for you as a leader in a sustainable brand?
Cze-Chao Tam: I think one of the biggest challenges is educating consumers. Sustainability can feel overwhelming, but we want to make it approachable. Our goal is to show that every small action, like buying a RENEW product, can make a difference. We’re working hard to create awareness around how much waste we generate and how much of it can be repurposed into something amazing. That, and maintaining the quality and craftsmanship of our products, is key to ensuring we remain a luxury brand while still being eco-friendly.
Photo Courtesy: RENEW by Trinity / Trinity International Industries
Q: What’s next for RENEW by Trinity? Where do you see the brand in the future?
Cze-Chao Tam: We’re definitely focused on expanding our product lines. We want to continue pushing the boundaries of what upcycling can achieve. I’d love to see RENEW products in even more homes, helping people realize that they can live stylishly and sustainably at the same time. We also want to explore new partnerships, especially with restaurants and cafes, to source more materials and spread our message further. The future is bright for RENEW as we grow and continue to inspire others to embrace sustainability.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to someone who wants to lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle?
Cze-Chao Tam: Start small. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but every little change counts. Whether it’s recycling more, reducing your plastic use, or choosing sustainable brands like RENEW by Trinity, every step is a positive one. And most importantly, don’t think of sustainability as a trend—it’s a way of life. Once you start, you’ll realize that making eco-friendly choices is not only good for the planet but can also be incredibly rewarding.
For more information on RENEW by Trinity and to explore their eco-conscious collection, visit renewbytrinity.com.
Published by: Holy Minoza
