Our Story

Made from what others throw away.

2nd Ground was born from a simple belief — that waste is just a resource in the wrong place.

Mark, Founder of 2nd Ground

How It Started

I always noticed what others ignored.

Sustainability has always been part of my mindset. Growing up, I couldn't help but notice the pollution, the waste, the indifference of larger companies toward the planet they were profiting from. Something about that never sat right with me.

While researching ways to recycle coffee grounds, I came across an article about coffee being used in skincare. That was it. The idea clicked immediately — upcycle the grounds, skip the plastic, make something genuinely good. 2nd Ground was born.

Today we're handcrafting every bar in Brooklyn, partnering with Cafe Grumpy for our grounds, and selling in over 15 states. But the mission hasn't changed — turn what gets thrown away into something worth keeping.

— Mark, Founder & Head Soap Maker

The Journey

How we got here.

2020

The Idea Sparks

Discovered the potential of upcycled coffee grounds in skincare and started experimenting in Brooklyn.

2021

First Bars Made

Handcrafted the first batch of 2nd Ground soap bars and began sharing them with friends and local markets.

2022

Cafe Grumpy Partnership

Partnered with iconic NYC coffee shop Cafe Grumpy to source our upcycled grounds directly.

2023

15 States & Growing

Now sold in over 15 states across the US through wholesale partners, refilleries, and online.

Why It Matters

From single-use to circular.

We have an economic system that is fundamentally unsustainable. Single-use products, disposable packaging, take-make-waste — it's a model that was never going to work long term, and the planet is telling us that now.

2nd Ground is our small but determined contribution to a different kind of industrial revolution — one built on circularity, creativity, and care. Every bar we make is proof that the shift is possible. We just need more people to demand it.

♻️ Circular Economy
🌱 Reforestation
🌊 Ocean Cleanup

Behind the Scenes

Handmade in Brooklyn.

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Ready to make the switch?

Every bar you buy is a vote for a cleaner, more circular world.