RŌ - The Meaning

The name RŌ is inspired by a remarkable native New Zealand stick insect, a master of adaptation that blends seamlessly into its environment. Almost invisible in plain sight, it survives by working with nature rather than against it—much like our approach to design. Even more extraordinary is the female’s ability to reproduce without a male, creating new life without introducing anything new. For us, that becomes a powerful analogy: RŌ products are created without relying on new raw materials, instead giving existing resources a second adventure. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean more—it can mean making something better from what’s already there.

About RŌ

Founded by Nick and Cheri, and inspired by the arrival of their son, Jude, in 2023, RŌ began with a desire to build something grounded in strong principles. They wanted to create a brand that not only respected the environment, but also helped shape the values their son would grow up with — a deep respect for nature, responsibility for our impact, and the belief that better choices matter.

Born in Southsea, Portsmouth, RŌ is shaped by the coastline, open spaces, and the spirit of adventure that surrounds its roots.

Built for life outdoors and inspired by the places that keep calling us back, we create thoughtfully designed adventure essentials — gear for your next adventure, made from yesterday’s waste.

Manufacturing

China is the world’s largest producer of consumer goods — and that’s exactly why we choose to work there. Real impact doesn’t come from avoiding global manufacturing; it comes from changing it. We partner with manufacturers who might otherwise rely solely on new, virgin materials, helping shift their processes toward recycled alternatives instead. Every partner we work with is required to supply GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification, giving us confidence that the recycled materials used in our products are genuine, traceable, and responsibly sourced. For us, progress means influencing the biggest players — not opting out of the conversation.