Business Spotlight: Watermark Coffee

Brewing Sustainability, One Cup at a Time

Let’s talk about coffee. Not just any coffee, the kind that works towards restoring the planet while simultaneously caffeinating your mornings. Meet Watermark Coffee, a progressive Irish coffee company blending exceptional taste with environmental action. They’re the coffee experts who turn your daily brew into a sustainable action plan.

A Bean of Inspiration

The story of Watermark Coffee begins under the sea. Founder and lifelong scuba diver, David Lawlor, has spent 25 years witnessing the ocean’s decline; bleached coral reefs, shrinking biodiversity, and dwindling marine abundance. This personal connection to the natural world is what fueled a mission: to transform a coffee business into a force for environmental good.

Fast-forward eight years, and that mission has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. Watermark Coffee is now a leader in sustainability, operating with certifications like Rainforest Alliance and Guaranteed Irish. They even earned a Blas na hÉireann award for their outstanding brews. From ethically sourced beans to carbon-conscious decisions, every sip of Watermark’s coffee contributes to a greener planet.

Certifications That Speak Volumes

Watermark Coffee doesn’t just talk the talk; they’re certified to walk it too. Their Rainforest Alliance certification guarantees sustainable production, biodiversity conservation, and fair treatment for farming communities. Meanwhile, their Guaranteed Irish membership supports local jobs, ethical business practices, and community engagement. In a market drowning in greenwashing, these badges are proof of their genuine commitment.

And let’s not forget their journey toward B-Corp certification. After nearly a decade of sustainable practices, Watermark’s alignment with the rigorous standards of B-Corp felt like a natural next step. It’s more than a badge; it’s a framework for businesses to prioritize people and the planet.

Woodland Coffee: Planting Roots in Ireland

In 2020, Watermark Coffee launched its Woodland Coffee initiative, a project that’s as ambitious as it is impactful. By purchasing 32 acres of land in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick, they’ve turned previously degraded agricultural land into a lush, biodiverse forest. Each case of Woodland Coffee sold funds the planting of one tree, contributing to a total of 20,154 trees planted as of 2024. That’s a lot of oxygen for your morning yoga session.

From Alder trees flourishing in marshy soil to streams winding through ancient hedgerows, this woodland is more than a carbon sink—it’s a haven for wildlife and a testament to what’s possible when businesses think beyond profit.

When asked about memorable moments from this project, David reflected, “Every time I walk through the woodland in Limerick, it feels like a true high. One morning last February stands out vividly—arriving at 9 a.m., I was greeted by piercing sun rays breaking through the hedgerow, casting light over a frosty white landscape. It was a perfectly still moment, frozen in time, and I felt incredibly lucky to be part of it.”

Green Ocean Coffee: Making Waves in Marine Restoration

If Woodland Coffee roots itself in the earth, Green Ocean Coffee dives deep into marine conservation. Launched in 2023, this brand funds projects like Dublin Bay’s oyster reseeding and Clew Bay’s seagrass restoration. Why oysters and seagrass? Because they’re the unsung heroes of our oceans, filtering water, sequestering carbon, and providing habitats for marine life.

“The ocean is often underestimated in its role in combating climate change, despite producing 50% of the world’s oxygen” Says David. “Its importance can also be overlooked because much of the damage occurs beneath the surface, hidden from view and inaccessible to many.”

Take Dublin Bay’s native oyster project. With 2,600 oysters introduced in specially designed baskets that promote growth and reproduction, these little molluscs filter and astounding 1.7 billion litres of seawater annually. That’s not just cleaning the ocean; it’s creating the conditions for seagrass and seaweed to thrive, which in turn attracts fish and improves biodiversity. It’s like a marine makeover, sponsored by your coffee habit.

Community: The Secret Ingredient

Watermark’s projects wouldn’t be possible without their community of coffee lovers, volunteers, and corporate partners. Whether it’s weighing oysters, measuring biodiversity, or planting trees, community involvement is at the heart of everything they do. Workshops and volunteer events turn participants into citizen scientists, fostering a deeper connection to sustainability.

“Outreach in schools is one of my favourite parts of the work. The unbridled enthusiasm from students is infectious, and I always leave those sessions feeling more motivated and energised. Their excitement reminds me why this work is so important and reaffirms the impact we can all have when we care for the planet.”

Through the newly established Green Ocean Foundation, Watermark is scaling up its impact. This not-for-profit organization invites businesses and individuals to fund projects, sponsor events, and get hands-on with restoration efforts. From scuba dives to rib boat trips, the opportunities to make a difference are as unique as they are impactful.

Challenges and Triumphs

Of course, running a sustainable business isn’t always smooth sailing. In a coffee market brimming with eco-claims, standing out requires authentic action and clear communication. For Watermark, every bag of coffee sold directly funds environmental projects—a powerful story that resonates with consumers.

Finding the right land for their woodland initiative was no small feat either, but the results speak for themselves. Similarly, marine projects face hurdles like funding and logistics, but partnerships with universities and local councils have enabled steady progress.

Brewing the Future

Looking ahead, Watermark Coffee aims to grow both its business and its impact. With plans to expand restoration projects and attract more corporate partnerships, the future looks bright for this sustainability powerhouse. As David advises other businesses looking to incorporate sustainability into their operations, “Do it, and do it now.” Incorporating sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your business, your team, and your customers. Take that first step, no matter how small, and build from there.

How You Can Help

Want to get involved? Start by drinking better coffee. Recommend Woodland or Green Ocean Coffee to your office manager or stock up for home. Follow Watermark on social media, share their story, or roll up your sleeves at a volunteer event. Together, we can make sustainability part of our daily grind.

So next time you sip your morning brew, ask yourself: Is my coffee helping the planet? If it’s Watermark, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

About the Author

Kiri Spanowicz is the Communications Officer at Fifty Shades Greener, bringing a blend of sustainability knowledge and a spirited approach to her content. With a background in marine biology and years as a scuba diving instructor, Kiri leverages her deep appreciation for the natural world to advocate for environmental education. She is dedicated to crafting content that is not only fun and cheeky but also richly informative—believing that learning about sustainability should be as entertaining as it is enlightening. Her work, aimed at making environmental awareness engaging and accessible, has been recognized across various platforms. Follow Kiri's journey on LinkedIn or through the Fifty Shades Greener blog for a lively take on transforming both business practices and personal habits for a greener future.