The Finnish based company RENs is proud to announce the launch of the world’s first ‘coffee sneaker’. Every pair of Rens is innovatively crafted from an upper made from a mixture of coffee yarn (from used coffee grounds) and recycled polyester (made with post-consumer plastic). Each shoe also includes a coffee-infused inner lining designed with a breathable, ultra-lightweight material. 100% waterproof, the shoes adapt to your movements to provide all-day comfort.
Their aim is to design the perfect sustainable sneaker for everyone – from the commuter to the thrill seeker. Stylish and versatile, Rens sneakers can be worn on the metro or on the mountain. What’s more, coffee’s natural antibacterial properties make Rens odor-resistant for their entire lifecycle
2 billion cups of coffeeare consumed every day and 3 million plastic bottlesare bought every minute. Spent coffee grounds produce methane – a major contributor to climate change – and the world is drowning in plastic waste. Frustrated by the unsustainability of the fashion industry, Rens decided to harness the power of waste – putting 21 cups of coffee and 6 plastic bottles into every pair of Rens.
Coming from Vietnam, both Rens founders have first-hand experience of the footwear industry’s environmental impact:
“It’s unbelievable how giant companies churn out millions of unsustainable products, using unsustainable materials and doing very little to mitigate their impact,” says CEO Jesse Tran.
Conversely, when looking for sustainable footwear, the founders found the options to be lacking.
Co-founder Son Chu explains, “Jesse and I are both young sneakerheads who are also concerned about the origin and impact of the shoes we wear. It felt like no one was making an eco-friendly option for us – for our generation. So, we decided to make one ourselves.”
