Zachary Quinn, cofounder of Minneapolis-based apparel brand Love Your Melon, launched his latest venture Friday, and this time, he's taking on sustainability.
Oceanfoam makes foam products out of algae and recycled materials. Much like Love Your Melon, which donated 50% of its net profits to organizations dedicated to pediatric cancer research, Oceanfoam is a mission-driven company.
Oceanfoam partners with sustainable-products company Bloom Materials to clean up areas where algae is over-produced. It then uses that algae to make algae pellets that are pressed into material used in the foam rollers, which can be used to massage parts of a person's body.
Quinn says on the company website that Oceanfoam was started after he sold Love Your Melon and in between having two kids. He had been foam rolling for years to help with a stiff neck and tight lower back.
In its debut, Oceanfoam is selling the Tidal Roller for $55 and the Riplle Roller for $35. More products are planned in future releases, including workout gear, clothing, accessories and marine and pool products.
The outside layer of each product is made with 15% algae foam pellets sourced from waterways and treatment facilities in the U.S. The solid foam in the center of each roller is created from recycled foam sourced from material that’s left over in the process of manufacturing yoga mats.
Quinn was a 2017 Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient. Love Your Melon was built out of a college entrepreneurship class project and made more than $21 million in revenue in 2016. Brian Keller, a University of St. Thomas classmate, was the co-founder.
New York-based Win Brands acquired Love Your Melon in December 2021, according to Business Journal reporting. While terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, the acquisition was made possible by $40 million in funding from Orangewood Partners. As of that time, Love Your Melon had donated more than 235,000 knit beanies and more than $9.4 million to pediatric cancer research and related organizations.
