MBRC the ocean
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersHamburg, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What MBRC the ocean does
MBRC the ocean is a Hamburg-based hybrid impact organization operating a dual-entity structure comprising MBRC the ocean GmbH (commercial activities) and MBRC Foundation gGmbH (charitable cleanup, education, and community engagement). Its mission centers on removing ocean-bound plastic through a global network of 250+ cleaning hubs across 24 countries, supported by 10,000+ volunteers and collectors. The organization connects cleanup action to two downstream revenue-generating layers: a B2B material platform (MBRC OCEANPLASTIC — mechanically recycled polymers including PE, ABS, PA, PC, TPU, POM, PMMA, and rPET with OBP, GRS, REACH, RoHS, UL, and FDA certification pathways; and MBRC OCEANYARN — recycled yarn for textiles) and a B2C/Ocean Originals product line (bracelets, apparel, accessories, and stainless steel bottles) sold through a Shopify storefront shipping to 40+ countries at unit prices of $12-$116.
The company monetizes through three streams: direct-to-consumer e-commerce, B2B recycled material sales for injection moulding and textile applications, and impact partnership models (Fixed Commitment, Product-Linked, and Location Commitment tiers ranging from under €10,000 to over €100,000 annually). Enterprise brand partners span automotive (Mercedes-Benz, KIA, AMG), sports (FC Bayern München, BVB Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, HSV, Holstein Kiel), retail (Müller, EDEKA, McDonald's, Lotto24), logistics/telecom (DHL, Telekom), fashion (Tom Tailor, Johnny Urban, Chiemsee), and design furniture (Vitra, Interstuhl). The impact partnership model provides partners with documented cleanup support, ESG reporting inputs, and branded co-developed products distributed through partner retail channels alongside MBRC's own store.
Underlying the operation is a structured Define-Act-Document-Report impact framework with third-party digital collection recording for traceable cleanup documentation. The sub-brand portfolio extends the core mission into adjacent environmental verticals: MBRC THE CHILDREN (educational projects and playgrounds), MBRC THE TREES (nature-based biodiversity), and MBRC Academy (knowledge and education). Institutional credibility is anchored by UN SDG Partnerships Registry listing, UN Ocean Decade Network partnership, and GPML membership. The organization has not disclosed venture or PE funding and operates with 11-50 employees, indicating an organically financed, mission-driven growth profile rather than a venture-scaled operation.
MBRC the ocean firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MBRC the ocean
- Legal name
- MBRC the ocean GmbH
- Website
- https://mbrctheocean.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MBRC the ocean industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Recycled Ocean Plastic Materials & Sustainability Services
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Coastal Remediation (Shoreline/Port Spill Cleanup) (IMAIAGAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Pollution Control & Environmental Remediation (Booming, Skimming, Shoreline Cleanup) (TLAHAIAH)
Keywords
Where MBRC the ocean is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hamburg
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
MBRC the ocean business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce: MBRC operates a Shopify-based online store selling Ocean Originals including bracelets (OCEANBAND, Humpback Bottle Bracelet, Surfer Pack Bracelet), apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, polos), accessories (keychains, lanyards, beanies), and bags. Prices range from $12 for OCEANBAND to $116 for Ocean Backpack.
- B2B Material Sales (OCEANPLASTIC & OCEANYARN): MBRC supplies recycled ocean plastic materials to manufacturers and brands for injection moulding, textile applications, and product development. Materials available in multiple polymer types with available certifications including OBP, GRS, REACH, RoHS, UL, and FDA-compliant options.
- Impact Partnership Models: Three partnership models: (1) Linked Model - support connected to product sales, transactions, bookings or customer actions; (2) Fixed Commitment - annual contribution or campaign-based fixed support; (3) Location Commitment - participating stores/locations connected to predefined support. Partners include documented impact data, reporting, and certificates.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Consumer merchandise with prices ranging from $12 to $116 |
| Other | Multi-year contract | B2B impact partnerships with indicative annual commitment tiers |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
MBRC the ocean product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MBRC the ocean combines a global ocean-plastic cleanup operation with a commercial platform that converts collected coastal and ocean-bound plastic into MBRC OCEANPLASTIC (recycled polymer pellets/compounds) and MBRC OCEANYARN (recycled yarn), sold to manufacturers and brands for product development. It also sells its own branded Ocean Originals merchandise (bracelets, apparel, accessories, bags) and co-branded products through a Shopify e-commerce storefront, while offering enterprises structured Impact Partnership programs (Fixed Commitment, Product-Linked, Campaign-Based) tied to documented cleanup support.
Product overview
MBRC the ocean operates two interconnected business entities: MBRC THE OCEAN gGmbH handles the charitable mission — cleanup activities, education, community engagement, and non-profit projects — while MBRC THE OCEAN GmbH handles the commercial side — products, recycled materials, and business partnerships. The commercial product portfolio spans three layers: (1) Core recycled material platforms — MBRC OCEANPLASTIC (mechanically recycled plastic pellets and compounds in PE, ABS, PA, PC, TPU, POM, PMMA, rPET for injection moulding and industrial applications) and MBRC OCEANYARN (recycled yarn derived from OCEANPLASTIC for bracelets, lanyards, bags, and textile applications); (2) Ocean Originals — MBRC's own branded merchandise including wristbands (OCEANBAND, Humpback Bottle Bracelet, Surfer Pack Bracelet, Atlantic Bottle Bracelet), apparel (Ocean T-Shirt Round Neck in men's and women's cuts, Ocean T-Shirt V-Cut, Ocean Polo, Ocean Hoodie, Ocean Sweatshirt), and accessories (Ocean Keychain, Ocean Lanyard, Ocean Beanie, Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle, Cotton Bag); and (3) Brand Collaborations — co-branded products with partners including Johnny Urban (Ocean Backpack, Ocean Fanny Pack) and Tom Tailor (Men Striped T-Shirt, Women Striped T-Shirt, Men Stand-Up Sweater, Long Sweatshirt - Women, Short Sweat Jacket - Women, Men Sweatpants). Products are sold through the Shopify-powered online shop and are linked to MBRC's cleanup impact model, where purchase proceeds support documented plastic collection activities in coastal regions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MBRC OCEANPLASTIC: Mechanically recycled plastic material pathway using defined recovered plastic streams for injection moulding, consumer goods, accessories, household products and custom developments
- MBRC OCEANYARN
- Ocean Originals
- MBRC Impact
- MBRC Academy
Products and services
- MBRC OCEANPLASTIC A mechanically recycled plastic material platform supplying polymers (PE, ABS, PA, PC, TPU, POM, PMMA, rPET) for injection moulding, consumer goods, household products, industrial components, and custom brand developments. Based on collected ocean-bound and coastal plastic that is sorted, processed, and converted into secondary raw material streams.
- MBRC OCEANYARN A recycled yarn and textile pathway derived from MBRC OCEANPLASTIC material streams, designed for bracelets, lanyards, bands, bags, merchandise, textile details, and special textile productions. Provides a material route connecting cleanup-sourced plastic to textile and soft-goods applications.
- MBRC OCEANBAND A minimalist everyday wristband made from recycled ocean plastic material, designed for daily wear. Purchases support additional plastic collection activities in coastal and beach regions.
- Humpback Bottle Bracelet An ocean-themed wristband bracelet combining minimalist design with the MBRC mission. Available in multiple colourways including BARREL BLUE, MAGICAL MIST, SUPER SURFER, and BACKWASH BLACK. Produced in sizes from XXS to XXL.
- Surfer Pack Bracelet A colourful multi-pack bracelet set available in a WHITE-BLUE-ORANGE colourway, designed for everyday wear and leisure.
- Atlantic Bottle Bracelet A bottle-recycling bracelet crafted from recycled ocean plastic, available in colourways including SUPER SURFER, MAGICAL MIST, BARREL BLUE, and BACKWASH BLACK. Made with MBRC OCEANYARN material.
- Ocean Originals Apparel (T-Shirts, Polo, Hoodie, Sweatshirt) Branded apparel line including the Ocean T-Shirt Round Neck (men's and women's cuts), Ocean T-Shirt V-Cut, Ocean Polo, Ocean Hoodie, and Ocean Sweatshirt, offered in multiple colour options with MBRC branding and logo prints.
- Ocean Originals Accessories (Keychain, Lanyard, Beanie, Drinking Bottle) Everyday branded accessories including the Ocean Keychain (BLACK, BLUE, GREY colourways), Ocean Lanyard for keys/cards/badges, Ocean Beanie, and Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle for reducing single-use plastic consumption.
- Ocean Backpack (MBRC x Johnny Urban) A rolltop backpack developed in collaboration with Johnny Urban, made using MBRC OCEANPLASTIC material. Features a laptop tray compartment and is designed for everyday use and travel.
- Ocean Fanny Pack (MBRC x Johnny Urban) A fanny pack/belt bag developed in collaboration with Johnny Urban, crafted from MBRC ocean plastic material for everyday use.
- MBRC x Tom Tailor Apparel Collection Co-branded apparel line with Tom Tailor including striped men's and women's T-shirts, men's stand-up sweater, women's long sweatshirt, women's short sweat jacket, and men's sweatpants, all incorporating MBRC ocean plastic material.
- MBRC Cotton Bag ('Bye Bye Plastic') A reusable 100% cotton tote bag with the 'Bye Bye Plastic' message, designed as a lightweight and versatile everyday companion for shopping, travel, and daily use.
- MBRC Impact Partnership Programs B2B structured partnership offering with three models: (1) Linked Model — support tied to product sales, transactions, bookings, or customer actions; (2) Fixed Commitment — annual contribution or campaign-based fixed support; (3) Location Commitment — participating stores or locations connected to predefined support. Includes documented impact data, reporting, and certificates for partners.
- MBRC Cleanup Events & Community Engagement Organized cleanup events including Europe's Biggest Cleanup, Africa's Biggest Cleanup, World Ocean Day, and local/corporate cleanups, delivered through a network of 250+ Cleaning Hubs across 24 countries. Functions as both direct community engagement and brand partnership activation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 139,300 PET bottles removed from beaches since World Oceans Day 2024
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use MBRC the ocean
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MBRC the ocean technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration18 records
Feature3 records
MBRC the ocean partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- allbrandedcoreLondon-based promotional products company running Earth Month campaign with MBRC. For each spin on interactive digital prize wheel, £1 donated to MBRC. Campaign removed approximately 139,300 PET bottles from beaches since World Oceans Day 2024.
- Mercedes-BenzcoreBrand collaboration using MBRC materials for promotional merchandise and product development. Mercedes-Benz featured among brand references on MBRC website alongside other major German brands.
- FC Bayern MünchencoreMajor German football club using MBRC materials for branded products and collaboration items.
- DHLcoreLogistics partner DHL featured among MBRC brand references, indicating collaboration or material partnership.
- TelekomcoreTelecommunications leader using MBRC materials for products and brand collaborations.
- TikTokcoreSocial media platform TikTok featured among brand references, indicating marketing or campaign partnership.
- Tom TailorcoreFashion brand with MBRC@TOMTAILOR collaboration product line including T-shirts, sweaters, sweatpants, and jackets sold through MBRC store.
- Johnny UrbancoreUrban fashion brand with MBRC@JOHNNY URBAN collaboration including Ocean Backpack and Ocean Fanny Pack products.
- ChiemseecoreGerman fashion/lifestyle brand collaborating with MBRC on products using recycled materials.
- MüllercoreMajor retailer collaborating on 'Rettet die Meere' fishing game made with 45% MBRC OCEANYARN. Also offers MBRC Cotton Bag 'Bye Bye Plastic' and other collaborative products.
- BVB Borussia DortmundcoreGerman football club using MBRC materials for brand collaborations and merchandise.
- Eintracht FrankfurtcoreGerman football club partnership using MBRC materials for branded products.
- VitracoreDesign furniture manufacturer using MBRC materials for products.
- InterstuhlcoreOffice furniture manufacturer using MBRC recycled materials in products.
- KIAcoreAutomotive manufacturer partnering with MBRC for impact collaboration and cleanup support.
- McDonald'scoreFast food chain with documented impact partnership model connecting products to cleanup support and environmental objectives.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
MBRC the ocean competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Plastic Bank: Operates ocean-bound plastic collection networks in coastal communities and supplies Social Plastic® feedstock to brands and manufacturers. Directly comparable to MBRC's hub-and-volunteer collection model and certified recycled material supply business.
- Ecoalf: Spanish sustainable fashion brand using recycled ocean plastics and other waste streams into apparel and accessories sold DTC and through retail. Comparable to MBRC's Ocean Originals apparel line and recycled-yarn textile applications.
- Parley for the Oceans: Direct peer combining ocean cleanup, recycled material supply (Ocean Plastic®), and large-scale brand collaborations with Adidas and other global brands. Highly comparable to MBRC's Clean–Create–Educate model and B2B partnership GTM.
- Plastix: Denmark-based company converting end-of-life fishing gear and marine plastics into recycled raw materials for industrial and consumer applications. Comparable to MBRC OCEANPLASTIC in marine-plastic-to-material conversion and European B2B customer base.
- Bureo: Recycles ocean plastic (notably fishing nets) into consumer products including skateboards, sunglasses, and apparel for partner brands. Comparable to MBRC's closed-loop recycled-material-to-product pathway and B2B brand collaborations.
- Tide Ocean: Switzerland-based supplier of ocean-bound recycled plastics and yarns for consumer products and B2B applications. Closely comparable to MBRC OCEANPLASTIC and OCEANYARN offerings in material portfolio, certifications, and target customers.
Broad incumbents
- Adidas: Global sportswear giant with the long-running Parley for the Oceans collaboration and broad use of recycled plastics. Comparable to MBRC's marquee enterprise partners (FC Bayern, BVB) and as a benchmark for large-scale brand uptake of ocean-plastic materials.
- The Ocean Cleanup: Large, well-funded non-profit focused on large-scale ocean and river plastic cleanup using engineered interceptor systems. Comparable in mission to MBRC's cleanup pillar but operates at much greater scale and via different technology, making it a broad incumbent in the same cause area.
- Patagonia: Major outdoor apparel brand with deep environmental activism heritage and use of recycled materials in product lines. Comparable as a broad incumbent in sustainable apparel that overlaps with MBRC's Ocean Originals and brand collaboration categories.
Emerging players
- OceanCycle: Certification and audit standards provider for ocean-bound and ocean-recovered plastics, working with collectors and brands globally. Comparable to MBRC's OBP certification-backed approach and serves overlapping recycled-material supply chains.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MBRC the ocean social profiles
Digital presenceMBRC the ocean compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
MBRC the ocean financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MBRC the ocean leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
MBRC the ocean subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
MBRC the ocean funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MBRC the ocean M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MBRC the ocean
What does MBRC the ocean do?
MBRC the ocean combines a global ocean-plastic cleanup operation with a commercial platform that converts collected coastal and ocean-bound plastic into MBRC OCEANPLASTIC (recycled polymer pellets/compounds) and MBRC OCEANYARN (recycled yarn), sold to manufacturers and brands for product development. It also sells its own branded Ocean Originals merchandise (bracelets, apparel, accessories, bags) and co-branded products through a Shopify e-commerce storefront, while offering enterprises structured Impact Partnership programs (Fixed Commitment, Product-Linked, Campaign-Based) tied to documented cleanup support.
Is MBRC the ocean a public or private company?
MBRC the ocean is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was MBRC the ocean founded?
MBRC the ocean was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is MBRC the ocean based?
MBRC the ocean is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does MBRC the ocean make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Direct-to-Consumer E-commerce is the primary driver. The others are B2B Material Sales (OCEANPLASTIC & OCEANYARN) and impact Partnership Models.
Who are MBRC the ocean's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Plastic Bank, Ecoalf, Parley for the Oceans, Plastix, Bureo and Tide Ocean. Broad incumbents are Adidas, The Ocean Cleanup and Patagonia. OceanCycle is listed as an emerging player.
Does MBRC the ocean have an API?
No public API is recorded for MBRC the ocean.
What industry is MBRC the ocean in?
MBRC the ocean's product category is Recycled Ocean Plastic Materials & Sustainability Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAGAI, Marine & Coastal Remediation (Shoreline/Port Spill Cleanup), with a secondary code of TLAHAIAH, Pollution Control & Environmental Remediation (Booming, Skimming, Shoreline Cleanup). Its SIC code is 3080.