
Rens Original
Categories

Jesse Tran (CEO and Co-Founder)
Son Chu (Co-Founder)
Fashion and Textiles
Retail and Consumer Goods
Summary
Founded in Helsinki, Finland, Rens is a collective of sneaker enthusiasts who intuitively knew that the choice between style and sustainability doesn't have to be a choice at all. The inspiration for a stylish yet sustainable fashion brand started as a conversation between two sneakerheads about the environmental impacts of the global sneaker industry and the less-than-stylish sustainable options on the market. They knew it could be done better. Since, the duo assembled like-minded people to produce the sneaker that they always wanted and the world's first sneaker made from coffee and recycled plastic launched in 2019. Since, Rens continues to produce design-driven apparel and sneakers that are sustainable by default.
History
Founded in Helsinki, Finland.. Rens is a collective of sneaker enthusiasts who intuitively knew that the choice between style and sustainability doesn't have to be a choice at all. The inspiration for a stylish yet sustainable sneaker brand started as a conversation between two sneakerheads about the environmental impacts of the global sneaker industry and the less-than-stylish sustainable options on the market. They knew it could be done better.
The duo put wings to their dreams and got together with like-minded people to produce the sneaker that they had always dreamt of and just like that… the world's first sneaker made from coffee and recycled plastic launched in 2019. Since, Rens produces design-driven sneakers that are sustainable by default. Every pair of Rens is made from six recycled plastic bottles and 150 grams of coffee waste. The sneaker is crafted with 100 per cent recycled upper made from coffee and recycled plastic- completely recycled waterproof membrane- fully recycled polyester sock liner on removable insole- BPA-free high-performance midsole- and all-natural rubber outsole.
To become the world's first climate-neutral sneaker Rens collaborated with Climate Partner to offset all climate emissions from production- packaging- distribution and shipping. With the Climate Neutral Product Label.. ClimatePartner guarantees that all climate emissions of the product will be calculated, reduced and offset through carbon offset projects.
"By looking at the materials we use in a new way, we can not only reduce our impact but also unlock the full potential of these amazing materials beyond their initial purpose" is a statement on their official website.' Every order ships in a 100 per cent recycled cardboard box that pulls double duty as both their shipping container and shoe box for single orders By eliminating the bulky outer shipping container, Rens cuts waste for consumers at home and lightens their own footprint for more efficient shipping. What's more.. It's not just the product, the process too takes precedence at Rens. With an expanding network of warehouses in Europe, Asia, North America and beyond, the brand is shrinking its footprint by finding the most carbon-efficient ways to deliver consumers' sneakers. By utilizing warehouse hubs that are close to customers they "ship slow and deliver fast".
Recently Rens entered the metaverse with the release of limited edition NFTs. The collection consisted of “Regular”, “Rare” and “Epic” designs- which listed in chronological order will increase in value based on the scarcity of quantities available. An early adopter of the metaverse.. Rens accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, Dai and Bitcoin Cash as a form of payment. Alongside the launch of its limited edition NFTs.. Rens is diversifying into apparel with the launch of its climate neutral "Elemental" hoodie collection.
Based on customer feedback to shape its product portfolio.. Elemental is the brand's newest product innovation which combines the use of waste-based materials created from used coffee grounds and recycled plastic with the introduction of ‘super-material’ bamboo viscose. What's more.. Rens will continue its work with ClimatePartner to offset carbon emissions at every step of the production process, to create a product that is certified carbon neutral.
"We are continuing our mission to promote sustainable fashion through technology and innovation. The launch of our exclusive limited run of NFTs alongside our Elemental Hoodie Collection shows how we are able to drive innovation in both the physical and digital space simultaneously whilst also building on our sustainability credentials" explains Jesse Tran- CEO and Co-founder- Rens. "We wholeheartedly believe that this is just the beginning of a MetaPhysical revolution in sustainable fashion and have ambitions to see Rens products in every single corner of the real world and the metaverse."
Mission
“Utilizing recycled materials is more than just a selling point, it is the source of all of our features. We are driven to create bold looks that aren't just built for sustainability. They are built by it.”
Vision
Sustainable sneaker brand Rens' vision is to provide sustainable sneakers and apparel that are stylish- be it in the real world or the metaverse. The physical products are designed and produced by combining waste-based and organic materials and the digital wearables are created in the greener blockchain technologies. The founders envision that being part of the metaverse will allow their consumers to enjoy their favourite sustainable sneaker or hoodie in any space and simultaneously allow Rens to bring the crypto wealth back to the real world to help solve environmental issues.
Key Team
Jesse Tran (CEO and Co-founder)
Son Chu (Co-founder)
Recognition and Awards
Products and Services
Hoodies and sneakers made with recycled plastic and coffee grounds using a completely sustainable production process.
References
- Official website Rens
- Sneaker start-up Rens looking to raise 1 million US dollars Fashion United
- Sustainable sneaker brand Rens introduces its first physical and virtual hoodie Fashion United
- Forbes 30 Under 30 features Finnish connection Forbes
- Facebook account of Rens Facebook
- An interview with Rens' founders StartUp Valley
- Instagram account of Rens Instagram
- Two Vietnamese making world's first shoes from coffee grounds honoured in Forbes' list Vietnamese Times
- Earth Day Is EveryDay Rens
- Biodegradable, upcycled or sustainable, the world of sneakers is going green Forbes
- Twitter page of Rens Twitter
- Interview with Rens Original founders The Industry
- LinkedIn page of Rens LinkedIn
- Rens Original: Would You Wear Sustainable Sneakers Made From Upcycled Coffee Grounds? Green Queen
- Sustainable Fashion Brand Rens Enters The Metaverse FashionABC
- Shoe Maker Rens Runs on Coffee for Second Model, The Nomad Daily Coffee News
- Rens' sustainability ethos Rens
- Rens Original Forbes
- Recycling materials for a more sustainable sneaker Rens
- Rens launches world’s first climate neutral sneakers made from coffee waste Comunicaffe
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Jesse Tran (CEO and Co-Founder)
Son Chu (Co-Founder)
Fashion and Textiles
Retail and Consumer Goods