Bean Around, an Irish business founded by sisters Sadhbh and Aisling Wood, specializes in producing sustainable skincare products using repurposed coffee grounds. The idea stemmed from their father’s search for relief from psoriasis during the pandemic when traditional treatments proved ineffective. Turning to online forums, he discovered the exfoliating properties of coffee grounds, prompting the sisters to explore their potential further.
Despite challenges in using coffee as an exfoliating ingredient due to its organic nature, Bean Around developed a unique system to collect and process fresh coffee grounds daily. By partnering with local coffee shops to repurpose used grounds, the business established a circular economy model that not only reduces waste but also creates value for coffee shops by transforming their discarded coffee into skincare products.
Expanding beyond local coffee shops, Bean Around has attracted corporate clients like Google, KPMG, and EY, which seek to enhance their sustainability efforts by collaborating with the company. This partnership not only helps in waste reduction but also engages employees and clients in sustainable practices, fostering a sense of community around the circular economy message.
As the business aims to scale, it faces the challenge of optimizing its production process to accommodate the unique requirements of using fresh coffee grounds in skincare products. Bean Around is embarking on a seed investment round to expand its manufacturing facilities in Ireland and plans to introduce a franchise model to facilitate international growth.
Sadhbh Wood emphasizes the importance of starting small when implementing circular economy practices, highlighting the incremental nature of progress in achieving full circularity. By reevaluating expectations and taking gradual steps, businesses can effectively integrate sustainable initiatives into their operations.
Bean Around’s innovative approach not only showcases the versatility of coffee as a skincare ingredient but also demonstrates the potential for circular economy models to drive sustainability across industries. The company’s commitment to repurposing coffee grounds exemplifies the transformative power of sustainable practices in both business operations and environmental conservation.
At the Business Post Spring ESG Summit 2025, Sadhbh Wood’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of circular economy initiatives and the growing significance of sustainable business practices in addressing environmental challenges. Bean Around’s journey serves as a testament to the positive impact businesses can have by embracing sustainable solutions and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
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