Is United By Blue ethical?

Overview

Founded in 2010 in Philadelphia, United by Blue (UBB) emerged with a mission to bridge the gap between outdoor gear and active environmental preservation. The brand is best known for its 'one pound' pledge: for every product purchased, the company coordinates and facilitates the removal of one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. To date, they have removed over four million pounds of waste through community-hosted cleanups. Beyond their cleanup efforts, UBB focuses on utilizing sustainable fibers such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel to create durable apparel, bags, and home goods designed for the 'modern adventurer'.

Certifications

United by Blue maintains an impressive portfolio of third-party certifications that attest to its rigorous standards. As a Certified B Corporation, the brand is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. They are also Climate Neutral Certified, meaning they measure, offset, and reduce their entire carbon footprint. Specific products, such as their recycled canvas daypacks, carry GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) labels, ensuring the integrity of the recycled materials and organic fibers used throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, as a member of 1% for the Planet, they commit a portion of their annual sales to environmental nonprofits.

Animal testing & vegan range

United by Blue does not conduct animal testing on any of its products. While the brand is not exclusively vegan, as they occasionally use materials like wool or responsibly sourced down in specific outerwear, a significant portion of their catalog—particularly their backpacks and canvas bags—is entirely vegan-friendly. The Daypack in Recycled Canvas and the All-Paq Backpack, for instance, utilize recycled polyester and nylon with synthetic trims rather than leather, making them suitable for vegan consumers looking for high-performance gear without animal derivatives.

Sustainability pledges

The core of UBB’s sustainability strategy is their 'Clean Ocean' initiative. Unlike brands that simply donate money, UBB organizes its own cleanup events, engaging employees and volunteers directly in the removal of tires, plastic bottles, and industrial waste from riverbanks and coastlines. The brand has also pledged to eliminate all single-use plastics from its supply chain, including shipping bags and retail packaging, opting instead for recycled paper and compostable alternatives. Their product design philosophy emphasizes longevity, aiming to reduce the cycle of fast fashion by creating items that withstand years of outdoor use.

Sourcing & labor

United by Blue is transparent about its manufacturing partners, working with factories in the USA, Turkey, Vietnam, and China that adhere to strict social responsibility standards. They prioritize facilities that hold certifications like WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) or BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the prohibition of forced or child labor. By utilizing recycled content, such as (rPET) made from plastic bottles, UBB significantly reduces water consumption and energy use compared to virgin material production. Their commitment to GOTS-certified organic cotton further ensures that no toxic pesticides are used in the farming process, protecting both the soil and the health of the farmers.

Controversies context

At present, there are no major ethical controversies, lawsuits, or significant labor violations on record for United by Blue. The brand has maintained a consistent reputation for transparency and grassroots activism. While manufacturing in China often raises questions for ethical consumers, UBB mitigates these concerns by working exclusively with high-standard, audited facilities and maintaining B Corp status, which requires ongoing verification of their global supply chain practices.

Bottom line

United by Blue stands out as a leader in the sustainable outdoor industry by integrating direct environmental action into its business model. Their high ethics scores, ranging from 82 to 95 for core products, reflect a deep commitment to material innovation and waste reduction. For consumers seeking durable, functional gear that actively contributes to cleaning the planet's waterways, United by Blue offers a highly credible and transparent choice.