What Parley does

Parley for the Oceans is a non-profit environmental organization founded in 2012 by Cyrill Gutsch and headquartered in New York, with operations spanning North America, South America, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Oceania. The organization functions as a global movement and collaboration network that unites creators, scientists, brands, and governments around ocean conservation, deploying an approach described as creativity-led eco-innovation. Its mission targets three interconnected ocean crises — plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss — with primary activities in marine debris interception, ecosystem restoration, education, and material innovation.

The organization's core technology and product platforms are anchored by Parley Ocean Plastic®, a registered material brand of upcycled marine plastic debris supplied into the sports, fashion, design, and luxury industries, and Parley Future Material®, an initiative curating natural, bio-fabricated, and green-chemistry alternatives from partners including Bananatex, Ponda, TômTex, Nature Coatings, Colorifix, Sway, and NUVI. Parley SnotBot®, developed with Ocean Alliance and Intel, is a drone-based, AI/ML-enabled whale-research technology for non-invasive marine mammal data collection. Supporting product lines include Clean Waves sunglasses made from marine debris and reclaimed fishing nets, and Parley Ocean School Online, an education portal. The Parley AIR Strategy (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign), presented at the UN General Assembly in 2015, is the operational framework adopted across the network.

Parley's revenue model blends donations (100% directed to programs), direct-to-consumer merchandise sales via shop.parley.tv, brand licensing and co-branded product arrangements with flagship partner adidas and luxury collaborator Dior, and crowdfunding campaigns. Distribution occurs through OEM/white-label channels (adidas x Parley, Dior x Parley), an owned e-commerce storefront, online education, and global volunteer cleanup networks. The organization serves fashion and sportswear brands, luxury labels, governments and institutions, environmentally conscious consumers, and individual volunteers.

Name

Parley

Legal name

Parley for the Oceans

Website

https://parley.tv

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Parley for the Oceans is a New York-based non-profit environmental organization that collaborates with brands, scientists, and creators to combat ocean plastic pollution and biodiversity loss through marine debris interception, eco-innovative materials, and the Parley AIR strategy framework.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Materials Recovery Facilities (56292)

SIC

Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Packaging Waste Sorting & Recycling Technologies (Mechanical/Chemical Recycling, Sorting Systems) (IMALAMAL), Post-Consumer Plastic Collection & Sorting (MRF/PRF, Bale Supply) (EUAIAKAA)

Keywords

• Marine plastic materials
• Ocean conservation services
• Eco-innovation consulting
• Sustainable material licensing
• Plastic upcycling programs

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations: 100% of donations directly support Parley's global cleanups, interception infrastructure, ocean education programs and marine protection initiatives.
2. Merchandise and Product Sales: Online shop selling exclusive Ocean Bags, artist editions, Parley apparel, Clean Waves sunglasses, reusable water bottles and limited-edition collaboration items.
3. Brand Partnerships and Licensing: Collaborations with major brands like adidas, Dior, and others where partners use Parley Ocean Plastic® in products, generating awareness, funding and brand licensing revenue.
4. Crowdfunding and Fundraising Campaigns: Individual and team fundraising campaigns for ocean initiatives, allowing supporters to fundraise through activities like running, swimming, cycling and other events.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Parley for the Oceans is a global non-profit environmental organization that intercepts marine plastic debris and upcycles it into Parley Ocean Plastic® premium materials supplied to fashion, sportswear, luxury and design brands, while developing biofabricated and natural alternatives under Parley Future Material®. The organization funds global ocean cleanups, ocean education programs (Parley Ocean School), drone-based whale research (Parley SnotBot®), and brand collaborations guided by the Parley AIR (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign) framework originally presented at the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.

Product overview

Parley for the Oceans is a global environmental organization operating across a network of initiatives rather than a unified commercial product platform. The core offerings include Parley Ocean Plastic® (upcycled marine plastic materials) and Parley Future Material® (natural/biofabricated material alternatives), complemented by the Clean Waves product line (sunglasses from marine debris) and Parley Ocean School (online education portal). The organization promotes the Parley AIR Strategy framework as its operational approach. Parley SnotBot® represents their drone-based research technology for whale conservation. Brand collaborations with adidas, Dior, and others represent partnership arrangements rather than Parley-branded products. The organization functions primarily as an environmental network and movement rather than a technology product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Parley Ocean Plastic®: A range of premium materials made from intercepted and upcycled marine plastic debris for the sports, fashion, design and luxury industries.
• Parley Future Material®
• Parley AIR
• Parley Ocean School
• Parley SnotBot®
• Clean Waves
• Ocean Uprise
• Forests of the Sea

Products and services

• Parley Ocean Plastic® Premium material made from intercepted and upcycled marine plastic debris, serving as a replacement for virgin plastic in applications across sports, fashion, design and luxury industries. Licensed to partner brands such as adidas, Dior and Stella McCartney for use in their products.
• Parley Future Material® Initiative introducing natural materials, biofabrication and green chemistry alternatives to conventional harmful material standards, featuring partner-developed materials such as Bananatex banana-fiber fabric, Ponda BioPuff plant-based insulation, TômTex mushroom chitosan textiles, Nature Coatings BioBlack pigments, Colorifix bio-dyes, Sway seaweed packaging and NUVI bio-based coated textiles. Targeted at brands seeking regenerative and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based materials.
• Clean Waves Sunglasses Sunglasses made from marine plastic debris and reclaimed fishing nets, sold direct-to-consumer through shop.parley.tv. 100% of proceeds support ocean cleanups and education in remote island regions.
• Parley Ocean School Online Online education portal providing knowledge, tools, innovation and inspiration for individuals and communities to take action on ocean protection. Open to the general public as part of Parley's mission to drive the Material Revolution.

Quantifiable outcome

• Transformed threat into thread through adidas partnership, creating new industry benchmarks for major brands
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• PondacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPonda is a biomaterials company developing novel textiles from regenerative fibers. The company connects ecosystem restoration (wetlands) to responsible material production for the textiles industry. Parley showcases Ponda's BioPuff plant-based insulation made from bulrush grown on restored wetlands as part of the Future Material initiative.
• BananatexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBananatex produces the world's first durable, technical, biodegradable and plastic-free fabric made from Abacá banana plants grown in the Philippines. Parley showcases this material innovation as part of its Future Material initiative and has featured it in Dior collaboration exhibits.
• TômTexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTômTex is a pioneer material science company creating innovative, eco-friendly textiles from waste (mushroom chitosan), not fossil fuels. Showcased as part of Parley's Future Material initiative for sustainable green chemistry.
• Nature CoatingscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNature Coatings transforms wood waste into high-performing BioBlack pigments for textiles, printing inks, paint and automotive industries. Fully traceable from FSC certified sources, carbon negative and free of carcinogens. Featured in Parley's material innovation content.
• ColorifixcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerColorifix uses DNA code to create natural colors for clothes through microbial fermentation, replacing petrochemical-based dyes. Part of Parley's material innovation ecosystem showcasing biological dyeing processes.
• SwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSway is a material innovation startup creating seaweed-based, home-compostable packaging that matches conventional plastic performance while decomposing into healthy soil. Featured in Parley's Material Revolution series.
• NUVIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNUVI specializes in scalable, plastic-free and 100% bio-based coated textiles produced roll-to-roll in Germany from regional plants and minerals. Showcased as alternative coating technology in Parley's material network.
• Ocean AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOcean Alliance is an international leader in whale research and ocean conservation, founded by Dr. Roger Payne in 1970. Partner with Parley on SnotBot® drone-based whale research using modified drones, AI and machine learning to study whale health.
• IntelcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntel provides advanced AI technology and analytics to enhance SnotBot® capabilities, transforming how data from whale research is turned into insights and knowledge to better understand and protect whales.
• eXXpeditionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll-female sailing initiative and scientific research mission raising awareness of plastic and toxics impacts in oceans. Parley supports crew members and research, including Parley collaborator Tavake Pakomio's participation in the South Pacific voyage.
• adidasflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term landmark partnership reshaping the sportswear industry through eco-innovative footwear and apparel made from Parley Ocean Plastic®. Turned threat into thread and set new industry standards for major brands.
• DiorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLuxury fashion collaboration bringing Parley Ocean Plastic® to new levels of luxury through versatile ocean yarns and fabrics. Multiple capsule collections including beachwear and exhibited Dior jacket made from Bananatex at Biofabricate.
• Sky High Farm UniverseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with activism-born company applying new technologies and future materials to everyday wearable pieces. Featured as part of the Future Material initiative.
• TaliskerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWhisky brand partnership with Parley for the Oceans on a mission to protect 100 million square meters of marine ecosystems around the world.
• Stella McCartneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-profile sustainable fashion designer using Parley-sourced materials (BioPuff insulation) in products like the Falabella purse line.
• BerghauscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutdoor apparel brand testing and using plant-based insulation materials for performance outdoor clothing products.
• Sheep Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainable fashion brand with a carbon-negative supply chain, collaborating with Parley on regenerative materials for clothing.
• Banco de ChileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate volunteer partnership with Parley Chile covering the entire country. Banco de Chile's Cuadrilla Azul (Blue Squad) participates in beach, wetland and river bank cleanups across multiple regions.
• Mission BluecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Sylvia Earle's organization focused on developing a global network of Hope Spots - protected areas on land and in the ocean. Dr. Earle serves as Parley's Chief Science Officer.
• Sierra ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParley Hawaii partner in restoration work at Wāwāmalu coastal ecosystem, working to restore native species and protect Hawaiian coastal habitats.
• Surfrider FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOcean conservation organization partnering with Parley Hawaii on coastal ecosystem restoration projects.
• Sustainable Coastlines HawaiiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental organization collaborating with Parley Hawaii on coastal restoration and cleanup initiatives.
• Te Mau O Te VaikavaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Rapa Nui NGO that Parley collaborator Tavake Pakomio partners with for coastal and beach cleanup programs, hosting 30+ cleanups annually.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Bionic: Recycled-material yarn and textile company that turns coastal plastic into fabrics for apparel and home goods. Comparable to Parley Ocean Plastic® as a supplier of recycled marine plastic-derived textile inputs to enterprise apparel brands.
• Bureo: B Corp that recycles ocean fishing nets (NetPlus®) into skateboards, sunglasses and consumer products. Comparable to Parley's Clean Waves and Ocean Plastic® programs as a for-profit counterpart monetizing marine plastic into branded goods.

Broad incumbents

• Adidas (sustainability line): Global sportswear incumbent whose Parley partnership is one of the largest references for upcycled marine plastic at scale. Comparable as a broad incumbent shaping industry sustainability standards, of which Parley is a key ecosystem partner rather than direct competitor.
• Patagonia: Established purpose-driven apparel brand with deep environmental advocacy and recycled-material programs. Comparable as a broader incumbent that competes for sustainability storytelling and material sourcing credibility in the same fashion/outdoor buyer set Parley targets.

Direct peers

• Ocean Conservancy: Established US marine conservation non-profit running large-scale volunteer cleanup events (International Coastal Cleanup) and policy advocacy. Direct peer in mission and non-profit structure, with greater scale on policy and volunteer-driven cleanups.
• Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global alliance of organizations, businesses and activists working to stop plastic pollution. Direct peer to Parley in advocacy and awareness mission, though structured more as an umbrella coalition than a single operating organization.
• Plastic Bank: Social enterprise that intercepts ocean-bound plastic and converts it into Social Plastic® feedstock for brands. Highly comparable to Parley because both monetize intercepted marine plastic via enterprise material partnerships and certified supply chains.
• The Ocean Cleanup: Non-profit focused on removing ocean plastic pollution through technology-driven cleanup systems. Direct peer to Parley because both are non-profits addressing marine plastic pollution, though The Ocean Cleanup emphasizes large-scale river and ocean interception technology versus Parley's material upcycling and creator-network model.
• Surfrider Foundation: Grassroots ocean conservation non-profit focused on beach access, water quality and plastic pollution. Direct peer given overlap on coastal cleanup operations, advocacy and grassroots network — Parley Hawaii has even partnered with Surfrider locally.
• Lonely Whale: Ocean-focused non-profit incubator known for the Strawless Ocean campaign and brand-driven behavior change initiatives. Comparable to Parley in operating as a creative, brand-collaboration-heavy non-profit tackling ocean plastic.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat1 record

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/parleyforoceans
• YouTubeyoutube.com/parley
• Facebookfacebook.com/Parleyfortheoceans
• Instagraminstagram.com/parley.tv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments4 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Parley