United By Blue

Summary

Sustainable outdoor lifestyle brand United By Blue is an ethical fashion platform dedicated to sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental impact. Known for its innovative pledge to remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold, the brand has positioned itself as a leader in eco-conscious fashion. By using sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and wool sourced under ethical practices, United By Blue creates durable, stylish products that align with its mission to protect the planet.

History

United By Blue was launched in 2010 out of a desire to make a real, tangible impact on the oceans — and there are few things more tangible than hauling tires out of riverbeds or picking up plastic bottles along the shoreline. So the team pledged to remove a pound of trash from the oceans and waterways for every product it sold. In fact, the first cleanup on April 2010 removed six hundred and thirty one pounds of trash from the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia… on the same week the brand sold its first T-shirt.

Since, United By Blue has expanded from a collection of organic cotton T-shirts to a line of responsible apparel, bags and accessories for people who care about the outdoors. The team handcrafts all products in GOTS-certified factories with sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester and bison fiber. The vision is to create products that last, because the best way to be a conscious consumer is to consume less and the collections can be found in United By Blue, Philadelphia and NYC.

In 2012, the brand diversified its product line with the introduction of the organic, waxed Lakeland Laptop Bag. In September 2013, United By Blue’s flagship Coffeehouse and Clothier opened in Old City, Philadelphia and the following month marked the hundredth cleanup which removed about eleven thousand pounds of trash from Trinity River, Dallas. The following year, the brand expanded with store-in-store concept State and Union in Kennett Square, PA and a second Coffeehouse and Clothier opened on Philadelphia’s Walnut Street.

2015-16 was a landmark period. The brand further expanded its product line of tees, tanks, board shorts, dresses and bags, shipped to three hundred and fifty retailers across the US, Canada and Japan. And, picked up 250,000 pounds of trash from waterways in Wilmington, DE. In January 2016,  The Ultimate American Jacket by United By Blue won Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Show for its B100 Bison insulation. Later that year,  the fourth retail store opened in Nolita, New York. The brand currently has a forty-five member team across its headquarters, three retail stores and warehouse, a team that firmly believes business not only has the ability to be a part of environmental solutions but also a moral responsibility to address them.

Vision

Embedded in United by Blue’s essence is the commitment to doing the dirty work. From the moment the core team sold their first t-shirt, they organised a community cleanup, setting the foundation for what the sustainable fashion brand stands for today. Years later, they remain on the front lines, hauling old tires, gathering plastic bottles, and picking up the bits of styrofoam that blight our shorelines. This hands-on approach exemplifies the fashion brand’s dedication to environmental stewardship and demonstrates that action speaks louder than words.

The fashion brand’s vision extends beyond just cleaning up—it aims to eliminate the need for such efforts altogether. By prioritizing sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices, United By Blue is not just cleaning up after others but leading the way toward a future where the business of fashion operates with environmental responsibility. This commitment to better business practices serves as a blueprint for others in the fashion industry, showcasing that sustainability is not just possible but essential.

Community building is another pillar of the fashion brand’s vision, fostered through regular waterway cleanups and outreach efforts. The sustainable fashion brand is determined to spread the idea that if one business can make a difference, so can one person. By rallying individuals to join their cause, they’re creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond their apparel and accessories, inspiring other brands to take action and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Mission Statement

“Responsible, durable goods to get you outside.” This sentence underlines the mission of fashion brand United By Blue.

The mission that United By Blue is built on is that the success of their ready to wear collections provide the capital to organise and host beach and waterway cleanups at scale. So the challenge is not in the cleanups, it’s in the business. The core team has to run a successful, profitable business in order for United By Blue to have a long term positive impact on the environment—without the success of the product portfolio, the ethical fashion brand doesn’t have the money to execute its environmental goals.

Key Team

Brian Linton, Founder CEO

Products and Services

United By Blue offers a curated line of menswear and womenswear, featuring tops, bottoms, and outerwear that combine style with sustainability. Each piece in their collections is designed with both function and fashion in mind, ensuring that customers can look good while making environmentally conscious choices. From cozy sweaters and durable jackets to pants and shorts, the apparel is crafted from sustainable materials, reflecting the fashion brand’s commitment to minimising environmental impact without compromising on quality or design.

In addition to apparel, United By Blue also boasts a comprehensive collection of bags and accessories that cater to different needs. Their collection include backpacks, duffles, and totes, all of which are designed for durability and practical use. The fashion brand’s accessories line extends to pouches, slings, hats, gloves, and socks, each made with the same dedication to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. These products are not just accessories but essential companions for those who value both functionality and eco-consciousness in their everyday lives.

Awards and Recognition

United By Blue has gained widespread recognition as a trailblazer in ethical fashion, setting a benchmark for sustainable and responsible practices in the industry. The brand has built its reputation on a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, pledging to remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold. This mission-driven approach, paired with its use of sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and ethically sourced wool, has resonated with environmentally conscious consumers. By integrating transparency and accountability into its business model, United By Blue has emerged as a leader in the growing movement toward a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.

Beyond its environmental efforts, United By Blue has also been celebrated for fostering a culture of social responsibility and innovation. Its dedication to fair labor practices, community engagement, and long-term environmental impact has earned the brand accolades from industry experts and consumers alike. By addressing critical issues like ocean pollution and waste reduction, the platform has established itself as more than just a fashion brand—it is a catalyst for change. United By Blue’s unwavering focus on creating stylish, durable products that reflect its ethical values has solidified its status as a pioneer in the field, inspiring others to follow suit in building a sustainable future for fashion.

References

• The brand story United By Blue
• How We Turn Trash Into Bags United By Blue
• B-Corp went from clothing to food Forbes
• LinkedIn page of United By Blue LinkedIn
• Cool crusaders of conscious clothing Vogue
• Twitter account of United By Blue Twitter
• Cleaning up the oceans United By Blue
• Instagram account of United By Blue Instagram
• Cleanup Trash Becomes New Products United By Blue
• Could this be the most eco-friendly shoe Forbes
• Meet Founder Brian Linton The Good Trade
• Gear with a conscience GQ
• Youtube channel of United by Blue Youtube
• #BlueMovement Philly Mag
• Pintrest page of United By Blue Pintrest
• The 2020 Impact Report United By Blue
• The 2021 Impact Report United By Blue
• The Responsible Board Short United By Blue
• Facebook account of United By Blue Facebook
• Rethink how you buy jeans Vogue