The Blue Standard
The Blue Standard, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program operated by Oceanic Global, provides a cross-industry three-star sustainability verification standard focused on eliminating single-use plastics, serving businesses across hospitality, music, events, offices, sports, and consumer goods in 55+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersBrooklyn, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Blue Standard does
The Blue Standard is a cross-industry sustainability verification program operated by Oceanic Global Foundation Corp., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 and headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. The core offering is a three-tier (1-Star, 2-Star, 3-Star) verification system that audits businesses on single-use plastic elimination and implementation of "Blue Actions" covering waste management, food sourcing, responsible seafood, supplies/procurement, and innovation. Verified businesses span hospitality, restaurants, hotels, music and live events, corporate offices, professional sports, and consumer-packaged goods, with named enterprise clients including Sandals Resorts (19 Caribbean properties), Mandarin Oriental, Corona Island, Brookfield Properties, M Moser Associates, and Ultra Music Festival.
The platform is built around open-source industry guides, a documented step-by-step audit methodology, a global network of 130+ trained Blue Consultants who provide implementation support, and a Blue List of 300+ vetted solution providers offering sustainable alternatives. Reverification is required every two years, creating a recurring engagement relationship. The Blue Product Seal and Packaging Seal extend the verification framework to consumer goods at $2,500 per SKU, with bulk and Blue List discounts. Distribution is hybrid: direct B2B application via the website, channel/consultant-led implementation, and brand-anchored partnerships (Corona, Sandals, NEXUS for sports).
Revenue is generated through tiered administration fees ($750–$5,000 one-time per business plus biennial reverification of $250–$2,000), per-product seal licensing, professional consulting services, and tax-deductible donations under the nonprofit structure. The Blue Standard is registered on the International Trade Centre's Standards Map (joint WTO/UNCTAD mandate) and holds the Candid Platinum Seal and Charity Navigator 3-star rating. The organization operates with a 13-person core team supported by an expert advisory board and has engaged 500+ businesses across 55+ countries since launch, claiming 97M+ single-use plastics avoided.
The Blue Standard firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Blue Standard
- Legal name
- Oceanic Global Foundation Corp.
- Website
- https://bluestandard.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- The Blue Standard, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program operated by Oceanic Global, provides a cross-industry three-star sustainability verification standard focused on eliminating single-use plastics, serving businesses across hospitality, music, events, offices, sports, and consumer goods in 55+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Blue Standard industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainability Verification and Certification Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Certification Program Administration & Scheme Management (Standard Owners) (AFALACAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Accredited Certification Bodies (CBs) – ISO 22000/FSSC 22000/BRCGS/SQF (AFALACAA), Food Safety & Quality Scheme Certifications (GFSI Programs) (AFALAMAI), Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing Certification Services (AFALAMAD)
Keywords
Where The Blue Standard is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brooklyn
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Blue Standard business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Business Operations Verification Fees: Registration and administration fees for Blue 3-Star Verification for business operations. Fees vary by business type (restaurant, hotel, office, events) and size (based on verifiable gross revenue). Reverification required every two years.
- Product & Packaging Seal Licensing: Licensing and review fees per product for Blue Product and Packaging Seals. Discounts available for multiple products (2-4 products: 25% discount) and products already on the Blue List (15% discount).
- Consulting Services: Blue Consulting services available for businesses seeking additional support to embed sustainability into operations. Additional consulting scope available for product/packaging verification assistance.
- Donations & Financial Support: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Oceanic Global accepts donations. Registration fees and donations are tax-deductible for US entities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Independent Cafes (beverage only, under $1M revenue) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Small Restaurants (under $1M verifiable gross revenue) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Medium Restaurants ($1M - $5M verifiable gross revenue) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Large Restaurants ($5M+ verifiable gross revenue) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Hotels |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Offices - SME (under $15M verifiable gross revenue) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Offices - Large Corporate ($15M+ verifiable gross revenue) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Events/Music Festivals/Concerts |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Multi-year contract | Product and Packaging Seal (per product) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Blue Standard product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Blue Standard is a cross-industry sustainability verification program that audits and certifies businesses against single-use plastic elimination and sustainable operations criteria. It awards 1-3 star Business Operations Verifications, Product Seals, and Packaging Seals to hospitality, music, events, office, sports, and consumer goods operators, supported by a network of trained consultants and a vetted vendor directory.
Product overview
The Blue Standard is a cross-industry sustainability verification program developed by Oceanic Global, offering a unified platform centered around its 3-Star Business Operations Verification system and Product/Packaging Seals. The portfolio includes the Blue List Solution Providers network connecting verified businesses with vetted sustainable vendors, the Blue Consultant Network for implementation support, and industry-specific open-source guides for hospitality, music, events, offices, and sports. The offering also includes Blue Actions (sustainability measures), the Blue Directory (public verified business database), and artist/fan resources. The platform operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with verification required every two years, and is registered on the International Trade Centre's Standards Map.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Blue 3-Star Business Operations Verification Three-tiered verification (1, 2, or 3 stars) for business operations across hospitality, music, events, offices, sports, and tourism, certifying measurable elimination of single-use plastics and implementation of Blue Actions in waste management, food sourcing, responsible seafood, supplies/procurement, and innovation. Reverification is required every two years.
- Blue Product Seal Per-product seal that verifies plastic-free and sustainability achievements of both the packaging and the product itself for consumer goods brands, based on End-of-Life Strategy, Plastic-free Materials, Waste Management Compatibility, and Material Sourcing criteria.
- Blue Packaging Seal Per-product seal verifying solely the plastic-free and sustainability attributes of packaging for consumer goods brands, without requiring product-level verification.
- Blue Consultant Network
Quantifiable outcome
- 72% of consumers rely on third-party verification and certifications to identify a company's sustainability benefits (Source: Sustainable Brands)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Blue Standard
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Blue Standard technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
The Blue Standard partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Sandals Resorts InternationalcoreSandals achieved Blue 2-Star Verification for 19 resorts across the Caribbean. Through a Blue Grant initiative, the Foundation empowered local Jamaican businesses to adopt sustainable practices, helping four earn Blue Seals.
- CoronacoreCorona Beach 100 Initiative partnership with Bar Duda Rei in Brazil. Corona Island became first-ever Blue Verified island with 3-Star Seal. Corona Sunsets World Tour is world's first global festival series with full Blue Verification across multiple continents.
- Clever CarboncoreCarbon Newbie Summits became first climate literacy events to earn Blue Verification through plant-based catering, elimination of single-use plastics, and interactive educational programs.
- M Moser AssociatescoreGlobal workplace design firm. M Moser's NYC Living Lab first in worldwide portfolio to earn 3-Star Plastic-Free Seal, advancing from TOS Ocean Champion Badge.
- LEEDminorSynergistic consulting services alignment with LEED certification standards.
- WELLminorSynergistic consulting services alignment with WELL building standard.
- EarthCheckminorSynergistic consulting services alignment with EarthCheck sustainability certification.
- Green GlobeminorSynergistic consulting services alignment with Green Globe certification.
- Shedd AquariumminorBlue Community partner - synergistic nonprofit and community organization.
- ReverbminorMusic industry sustainability partner reviewed the Music Guide. Blue Community partner.
- Julie's BicycleminorMusic industry sustainability partner reviewed the Music Guide. Blue Community partner.
- BYO BottleminorMusic industry partner reviewed the Music Guide. Blue Community partner.
- NEXUS (Sports)coreSUPR initiative partnership introducing sustainable operations standard for professional sports venues and events.
- 1% For The PlanetminorOceanic Global is a 1% For The Planet partner, committing to environmental giving.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Blue Standard competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- B Lab (B Corporation Certification): B Lab administers the B Corp certification, a well-known third-party sustainability verification standard covering social and environmental performance. Directly comparable as a verification-as-a-service model targeting businesses seeking credible sustainability credentials, with overlapping customer segments in hospitality, consumer goods, and professional services.
- Green Key Global: Green Key Global provides sustainability certification specifically for hotels, resorts, and tourism businesses. Direct competitor in the hospitality sustainability verification niche with overlapping customer base (hotel chains, resorts) and similar tiered verification structure.
- EarthCheck: EarthCheck is a science-based certification program for the travel and tourism industry covering hotels, tour operators, and destinations. Directly comparable as a tourism-focused sustainability verification standard explicitly mentioned in Blue's synergistic consulting partnerships.
- Green Globe Certification: Green Globe provides sustainability certification for travel and tourism businesses worldwide with a tiered membership model. Direct peer in the hospitality sustainability verification space, also explicitly listed among Blue's synergistic consulting partners.
- Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute: Cradle to Cradle Certified offers product-level sustainability verification across material health, recyclability, and social fairness. Closely comparable to Blue's Product and Packaging Seal program as a third-party verification standard for consumer goods and packaging sustainability.
- Green Restaurant Association: Green Restaurant Association certifies restaurants for environmental sustainability across waste, energy, water, and disposables. Direct peer in the restaurant and food service sustainability verification segment, addressing similar pain points to Blue's restaurant verification tier.
- SCS Global Services: SCS Global Services provides independent third-party certification, auditing, and testing across sustainability domains including recycled content, biodegradability, and plastic-free claims. Closely comparable as a third-party sustainability verification provider with overlapping product and packaging audit services.
Broad incumbents
- U.S. Green Building Council (LEED): USGBC operates LEED, the dominant green building certification globally. Comparable as an established third-party sustainability verification program with explicit synergistic alignment noted in Blue's consulting services, but addresses buildings and real estate rather than Blue's focus on single-use plastics and operational sustainability.
- Rainforest Alliance: Rainforest Alliance operates a globally recognized sustainability certification covering agriculture, forestry, and tourism with strong consumer brand recognition. Broadly comparable as a large incumbent third-party sustainability certification body, though its primary focus is on agricultural and forestry supply chains rather than single-use plastics.
- BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards): BRCGS operates globally recognized certification standards for food safety, packaging, and consumer products. Comparable as an established third-party certification body with verification services that overlap with Blue's food service and packaging verification offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Blue Standard social profiles
Digital presenceThe Blue Standard compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Blue Standard financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Blue Standard leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
The Blue Standard funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Blue Standard 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 The Blue Standard
What does The Blue Standard do?
The Blue Standard is a cross-industry sustainability verification program that audits and certifies businesses against single-use plastic elimination and sustainable operations criteria. It awards 1-3 star Business Operations Verifications, Product Seals, and Packaging Seals to hospitality, music, events, office, sports, and consumer goods operators, supported by a network of trained consultants and a vetted vendor directory.
Is The Blue Standard a public or private company?
The Blue Standard is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Blue Standard founded?
The Blue Standard was founded in 2018.
Where is The Blue Standard based?
The Blue Standard is headquartered in Brooklyn, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Blue Standard make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Business Operations Verification Fees are the primary driver. The others are product & Packaging Seal Licensing, consulting Services and donations & Financial Support.
Who are The Blue Standard's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are B Lab (B Corporation Certification), Green Key Global, EarthCheck, Green Globe Certification, Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, Green Restaurant Association and SCS Global Services. Broad incumbents are U.S. Green Building Council (LEED), Rainforest Alliance and BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards).
Does The Blue Standard have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Blue Standard.
What industry is The Blue Standard in?
The Blue Standard's product category is Sustainability Verification and Certification Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFALACAC, Certification Program Administration & Scheme Management (Standard Owners), with a secondary code of AFALACAA, Accredited Certification Bodies (CBs) – ISO 22000/FSSC 22000/BRCGS/SQF. Its NAICS code is 541380 and its SIC code is 8734.