By: Jackson Lee
In today’s world, the call for sustainable living is louder than ever, and few are answering that call with as much innovation and passion as Cze-Chao Tam, CEO of RENEW by Trinity. As the visionary behind one of the most exciting eco-friendly brands in the home décor industry, Tam is transforming how we think about waste—one chopstick at a time. With a focus on repurposing discarded materials into functional, stylish products, RENEW by Trinity is not only making waves in the marketplace but also inspiring a broader movement toward environmental responsibility.
In this exclusive interview with CEO Weekly, Cze-Chao Tam opens up about her journey, the challenges of leading a sustainable brand, and her vision for the future of RENEW.
Q: You’ve had an incredible journey leading up to your role as CEO of RENEW by Trinity. Can you tell us about your background and how RENEW came to be?
Cze-Chao Tam: I grew up in a traditional Asian-American household where I was taught to follow a structured path—go to school, get a stable job, settle down. I did go to MIT, but it was a tough experience, and after graduating, I went into finance. However, I quickly realized that the finance world wasn’t for me. It was all about money, with little focus on values or purpose. I left that industry to find my true calling, which led me to co-found Trinity International Industries.
RENEW came from my deep desire to build something meaningful. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability, and when I saw how much waste was being generated, especially with single-use items like chopsticks, I knew there had to be a better way. That’s when RENEW was born—a brand that repurposes discarded bamboo chopsticks into beautiful, functional home goods.
Q: What was your inspiration for focusing on single-use chopsticks as the core material for RENEW products?
Cze-Chao Tam: The idea really started with the sheer volume of waste. When you consider that over 1.5 billion chopsticks are discarded each week globally, it’s staggering. I saw an opportunity to take something that’s used briefly and then thrown away and turn it into something lasting and valuable. It was important to me that we create products that were not just sustainable but also desirable—items that people would be proud to have in their homes. That’s how RENEW evolved into what it is today.
Q: Leading a sustainable company must come with its own set of challenges. What has been the biggest challenge for you as CEO of RENEW by Trinity?
Cze-Chao Tam: One of the biggest challenges has been educating consumers. Sustainability can sometimes feel overwhelming or inaccessible to people, and we want to change that perception. We’re showing that eco-friendly products don’t have to compromise on style or quality. At RENEW, we engrave each product with the number of chopsticks used in its creation to help customers connect with the impact they’re making. Another challenge has been the operational side—ensuring we’re sourcing materials responsibly and maintaining a high standard in every product we make. But honestly, these challenges are what drive us. We’re constantly innovating to find new ways to make sustainability more integrated into everyday life.
Q: Can you tell us more about the process of transforming discarded chopsticks into RENEW products?
Cze-Chao Tam: Absolutely. We partner with restaurants across the USA and Canada to collect used bamboo chopsticks. They’re then sent to The Chop Shop, our facility in North Texas, where they undergo a thorough cleaning and pressing process. Once the chopsticks are fully sanitized, they’re transformed into beautiful products like coffee tables, serving boards, and even pet furniture. It’s a meticulous process because we want to ensure that every product is not only eco-friendly but also safe and durable for everyday use.
Q: Sustainability is a core part of RENEW by Trinity. What is your vision for the future of the brand, and what role do you see RENEW playing in the larger sustainability movement?
Cze-Chao Tam: My vision for RENEW is to continue expanding the brand while staying true to our roots in sustainability. We’re already experimenting with new materials, like coffee grounds, to see how we can repurpose other single-use items. I also want RENEW to inspire more people to think differently about waste. We’re at a point where sustainability can’t just be an afterthought—it needs to be integrated into every decision we make as businesses and consumers. I hope that RENEW can play a part in pushing that shift forward.
Q: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs or leaders looking to create sustainable businesses?
Cze-Chao Tam: My biggest piece of advice is to stay committed to your values. Building a sustainable business isn’t easy—it requires creativity, resilience, and sometimes a willingness to challenge the status quo. But if you truly believe in your mission, that passion will carry you through the challenges. Also, be prepared to educate. Sustainability is still a relatively new concept for many consumers, so it’s important to communicate why your products matter and how they’re making a difference.
Q: Finally, what can we expect next from RENEW by Trinity?
Cze-Chao Tam: We’re excited about continuing to grow our product line and explore new ways to repurpose materials that are often overlooked. We also want to expand our reach and bring RENEW products into more homes. There’s so much potential in the sustainability space, and we’re just getting started. Our goal is to keep innovating, keep inspiring, and, most importantly, keep making an impact.
For more information on RENEW by Trinity and to explore their collection, visit their website today.
Published by: Khy Talara
