Is Coastal Co. ethical?

Overview

Coastal Co. is a stationery brand that prioritizes environmental responsibility in every aspect of its product lifecycle. Their flagship product—the Eco-Friendly Highlighters 6-Pack— exemplifies their mission: made from 100% recycled plastic, refillable design reduces waste, and packaging is plastic-free. The company operates as a certified B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. With an ethics score of 88/100 on our site, Coastal Co. stands out as a reliable choice for consumers seeking sustainable office supplies without compromising quality or performance.

Certifications

Coastal Co. holds three notable third-party certifications that verify its ethical claims. B Corp certification confirms that the company meets high standards of social and environmental impact, legal accountability, and public transparency. Global Recycled Standard (GRS) ensures that the highlighters contain a minimum percentage of recycled materials and that the supply chain adheres to strict social, environmental, and chemical requirements. Climate Neutral certification means the brand has measured, offset, and committed to reducing its entire carbon footprint. These certifications are independently audited and provide concrete assurance to consumers.

Animal testing & vegan range

Coastal Co. maintains a clear and formal policy against animal testing. All products are cruelty-free and the company does not conduct, commission, or pay for any animal tests on their formulations or finished products. Their entire lineup, including the Eco-Friendly Highlighters, is 100% vegan—no animal-derived ingredients or by-products are used (e.g., no beeswax, lanolin, or gelatin). This makes them suitable for both vegan and cruelty-free-conscious shoppers.

Sustainability pledges

Coastal Co. has publicly pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, using the Science Based Targets initiative framework. They also commit to ensuring all products are made from 100% recycled or renewable materials by 2025, and they use plastic-free, compostable packaging for all direct-to-consumer orders. Additionally, they operate a take-back program where customers can return empty highlighters for recycling.

Sourcing & labor

The brand sources materials primarily from certified suppliers within North America and Europe, ensuring compliance with fair labor standards. All manufacturing facilities are audited by third parties for safe working conditions, fair wages, and no child or forced labor. Coastal Co. publishes an annual supply chain transparency report detailing factory locations, audit results, and corrective actions. While not yet Fair Trade certified, they state that all workers earn a living wage and have freedom of association.

Controversies context

There are no major controversies on record for Coastal Co. The brand has not faced any public scandals, lawsuits, or regulatory actions related to ethics, labor, or environmental claims. Minor criticisms include the higher price point compared to non-eco alternatives, which is common among sustainable products. The company has not been involved in greenwashing allegations, and their certifications and transparent reporting reinforce their credibility.

Bottom line

Coastal Co. is a top-tier ethical choice for highlighters and other stationery. Their 88/100 ethics score reflects robust certifications, a clear cruelty-free and vegan stance, ambitious sustainability goals, and a transparent supply chain. The lack of controversies adds to their trustworthiness. While slightly more expensive, the product’s durability, refillability, and eco-credentials justify the investment for environmentally conscious consumers. Highly recommended for anyone looking to reduce their office supply footprint.