Key Takeaways:
- This interview with Tinia Pina was recorded in September 2023 during her tenure as CEO of Re-Nuble.
- Re-Nuble pivoted its focus toward the Renew Terra line, offering biodegradable grow media made from upcycled crop residues.
- Early adopters reported up to 30% higher yields with Renew Terra mats.
- The company is scaling through localized partnerships across the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
- Pina officially stepped down as CEO in April 2025 after leading the company since 2015.
Tinia Pina Discussed Re-Nuble’s Strategy in 2023
In an episode recorded in September 2023 for the Vertical Farming Podcast, Tinia Pina, Founder and then-CEO of Re-Nuble, shared insights on the company’s evolving product line, mission-driven leadership, and lessons from nearly a decade of building a sustainability-focused AgTech company. As of April 2025, Pina has stepped down from her role as CEO but remains recognized for shaping Re-Nuble’s trajectory.
At the time of the interview, Re-Nuble was transitioning from liquid organic nutrient production toward Renew Terra, a line of sustainable substrates made from crop residues such as jute. The pivot addressed logistical challenges with liquid nutrient shipping and aligned more closely with the company’s commitment to circular, localized solutions.
“We pivoted because it didn’t make sense—financially or environmentally—to ship liquid products worldwide,” Pina said in the interview. “With Renew Terra, we can offer lightweight, biodegradable alternatives that growers can integrate easily.”
Fiber-Based Innovation for CEA Growers
Renew Terra’s product range includes mats, plugs, and slabs that replace conventional materials like rockwool and coir. According to internal trials discussed in the interview, growers experienced 21–30% increases in yield for crops like kale, arugula, and radish when using Renew Terra mats.
Pina emphasized that Re-Nuble’s manufacturing system is designed for local replication, enabling partners to process regional waste streams and reduce dependence on imported inputs.
“The intention has always been circularity,” she noted. “We want partners to use local crop residues and build region-specific solutions.”
A Leader Grounded in Mission
Pina founded Re-Nuble in 2015 after leaving a finance career and pursuing deeper alignment between her personal values and professional work. In the interview, she candidly discussed the challenges of scaling a manufacturing and agricultural enterprise, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed product launches and strained resources.
“There were moments I had a negative account balance,” she recalled. “But the mission was too important to quit.”
She also spoke about her leadership philosophy, highlighting team co-creation, openness to feedback, and de-risking product development through transparency.
