Intelligent sourcing is the next revolution in sustainable beauty—and there’s no smarter, kinder way to gather ingredients than from what would otherwise already be tossed out. Where most production models see “waste” as an end point, we’re designing ways to make sure what gets thrown out is actually called back in.

One great example that is a valued commodity right now is coconut — and everyone is familiar with its various uses. From coconut oil and butter to shredded coconut and super-hydrating coconut water, the fruit is everywhere you look.

What many people don’t realise is that the production of coconut products generates a lot of waste in the form of coconut husks. Of the approximately 50 billion coconuts grown in Indonesia, about 85% of the husks are discarded like trash or is set on fire, further adding to the global pollution.

If you make raw materials out of the husk, you will hit several birds with one stone: you prevent deforestation, because less wood will be produced, you give farmers an extra income, because their waste is worth money, and you prevent the material from slowly rotting away, reducing pollution and climate change

Beginning in 2020, Runa is taking cues from nature’s own ingenious self-renewing design, partnering with local coconut farmers in Kalimantan to repurpose coconut husk byproducts into a biodegradable beauty sponge—closing the loop and opening new avenues for a healthier planet.

Made with 70% coconut husk and 30% bio-based polyurethane foam (derived from castor oil). What was once agricultural byproduct is now beauty gold.