Coffee, the warm, aromatic substance that so many people wake up to in the morning, is one of the most popular beverages in the world. In fact, over one billion people in the world drink it daily, according to Bikehike, and the average American drinks about two cups of coffee per day. That’s really a lot of coffee beans!
When it comes to which country consumes the largest amount of coffee, Finland is at the very top. According to World Atlas, this European country consumes about 27 pounds (12 kilograms) per capita a year! This means that about 8 cups per day are drunk in this Scandinavian country! Perhaps that is what led Rens, a Finnish startup footwear firm, to create NOMAD, the first sneaker made from upcycled coffee grounds.
Co-founders Jesse Tran and Son Chu both shared a passion for sneakers, the company’s website even refers to them as “sneakerheads”! Together, they came up with the concept and are responsible for this incredible and unprecedented innovation.
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Their first shoes were launched in the summer of 2019. The company proudly claims their product is not only environmentally friendly, sustainable, completely waterproof and fashionable too. Their mantra is “sustainability doesn’t have to be boring”, and it seems like their thousands of wearers worldwide agree.
Environmentalists will be happy to know that this isn’t the only company making shoes from recycled products. In 2015, adidas partnered with Parley for the Oceans and created a shoe made from reclaimed marine plastic, according to undefined. Other brands such as Gucci have worked with the same organization as well. Perhaps being eco-friendly continues to catch on as a trend that is here to stay.
At the moment, Rens is running a Kickstarter campaign to fund their next shoes, an upgraded version of their NOMAD sneakers. The campaign claims it was fully funded in two days! With their great reviews and over-funded campaign, it’s fair to assume that their estimated production dates will be on schedule.
Coffee is a universal favorite, especially in Finland where it is an important part of their culture, according to Theculturetrip, a platform that inspires its readers to go beyond their cultural boundaries. So whether you like this business for their eco-friendliness or because you are a coffee lover, one thing is clear. These sneakers are a huge step (no pun intended) in the direction of a better, healthier world.
