United By Blue
Rated: Great
Price: $$
Location: USA
Quick verdict
Best for eco-conscious consumers who want to support ocean and waterway cleanup with every purchase. United By Blue's defining mission (remove one pound of trash from waterways for every product sold) has resulted in over 5.4 million pounds removed to date. The brand holds B Corp certification (score 81.9) and publishes a full factory list with named partners. The significant caveat: a turbulent ownership history (failed acquisition by Naadam Collective, store closures, near-collapse) has left it operating as a 3-person online team with estimated revenue under $5 million and an uncertain trajectory.
Key info
- Headquarters
- New York, USA
- Founded
- 2010
- Product categories
- Outerwear, Menswear, Womenswear, Accessories
- Price range
- $$
- Key certifications
- B Corp (score 81.9), Climate Neutral Certified, Bluesign, GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX, SA8000, WRAP (Gold) across supply chain
United By Blue sustainability rating
Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (We Avoid) to 5 (Excellent). How we rate
Rating breakdown
Uses organic cotton, recycled polyester (from post-consumer bottles), proprietary SoftHemp™ blend, bison fibre (BisonShield™ insulation), yak wool, merino wool, TENCEL/Lyocell, deadstock fabrics, and recycled nylon. Multiple supplier-level certifications (Bluesign, GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX) validate material claims.
Publishes a full factory list with named partners and their certifications across China, Vietnam, Cambodia, USA, and Turkey. Supply chain certified by SA8000, WRAP Gold, BSCI, and Better Work, Code of Conduct covers ILO freedoms. However, no evidence workers are paid living wages.
Over 5.4 million pounds of trash removed from oceans and waterways. Climate Neutral Certified. High proportion of lower-impact and recycled materials. Avoids plastic packaging. Zero-plastic packaging policy. However, no strategic carbon reduction plan found, and the last Impact Report was published in 2022.
Publishes full factory list with named partners, locations, and certifications, rare for a brand this size. B Corp score publicly available. Carbon emissions internally measured and publicly reported. However, no recent Impact Report since 2022 ownership upheaval.
Bags $13–$118, socks $25–$44, apparel often at 60% clearance. Classified as premium pricing. Current reduced product range and frequent clearance sales reflect the brand's post-restructuring state. Strong value on discounted items, but uncertain inventory continuity.
What they do well
- 5.4+ million pounds of trash removed from oceans and waterways: one of the most tangible environmental impact missions in the industry, with cleanup events still actively hosted
- Full factory list published with named partners (Hemp Fortex, Lever Style, SBGear Vina, Harriss & Covington, ASI) and their specific certifications: exceptional supply chain transparency
- B Corp certified (score 81.9) since August 2011: one of the first 500 B Corps in the US, with Environment scoring highest at 27.0
- Innovative proprietary materials: SoftHemp™ blend and BisonShield™ bison fibre insulation demonstrate genuine material innovation beyond standard recycled polyester
Room for improvement
- No evidence of living wages, despite strong supply chain certifications
- Concerning internal culture, Glassdoor shows 3.6/5 stars with only 20% recommending the workplace, compensation rated 2.4/5, and employees noting low pay and financial instability. Last Impact Report published in 2022.
About United By Blue
Brian Linton and Mike Cangi founded United By Blue in 2010 in Philadelphia, PA, building its identity around a compelling mission: remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold. The brand earned B Corp certification in 2011 (one of the first 500 B Corps in the US) and operated two Philadelphia retail/café locations.
The brand's recent history has been volatile. After COVID-era cash shortfalls, United By Blue was acquired by Naadam Collective in May 2022, a DTC holding company led by Matt Scanlan. The partnership failed catastrophically. Both Philadelphia retail locations permanently closed in March–April 2023 with employees notified by email the night before. By mid-2023, the team had lost control of the business and the website was shut down.
In October 2023, a 3-person team led by new President Lane George regained control and relaunched as an online-only DTC brand. The ocean cleanup mission remains active, with the website counter showing over 5.4 million pounds of trash removed. Manufacturing spans China, Vietnam, Cambodia, the USA (North Carolina), and Turkey, with a published factory list featuring certified partners.
Product highlights
(R)evolution Backpack
Durable everyday backpack made with recycled materials; manufactured at WRAP Gold certified SBGear Vina in Vietnam
~$88–$118
Flagship bag product with strong customer reviews (4.4–4.9 stars); built to last with lifetime warranty
BisonShield™ Bison Wool Socks
Premium socks using bison fibre insulation blended with merino; made at Harriss & Covington in North Carolina, USA
~$25–$44
Innovative proprietary material; USA-made; praised for exceptional warmth and durability
SoftHemp™ Organic Tee
Casual graphic tee in proprietary 55% organic cotton / 45% recycled polyester hemp blend
~$30–$48
Showcases the brand's proprietary SoftHemp™ material; often available at clearance pricing
Stoneware Camp Mug
Handcrafted stoneware mug made in the USA; durable everyday household item
~$32
Represents the brand's expansion into sustainable household goods; popular gift item
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