Shivangi Sinha
Earplugs are incredibly convenient for blocking noise, improving sleep, or protecting hearing in loud environments. However, many disposable options are designed for single use, which raises environmental concerns due to the waste they generate over time. As awareness around sustainability grows, there is increasing demand for alternatives that are both effective and eco-friendly. In season 17, episode 14 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank,’ GOB introduced a product aimed at making earplug use more practical and reusable. Their earplugs provide all the convenience with environmental responsibility while addressing everyday noise-related challenges.
GOB: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Lauryn currently serves as the CEO and Founder of the company, which she launched in January 2024 in San Francisco, California. Alongside this, she has worked as an advisor at PROWL Studio since 2021 and is a collective member at Baukunst. Her career also includes roles at Adobe and Coalesse, where she developed expertise in design strategy, product development, and user-centered innovation. In addition, she has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at the California College of the Arts. A graduate of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and California College of Arts, she has been instrumental in the business since its inception.
GOB emerged from Menard’s long-standing interest in creating products that merge wellness with environmental responsibility. The company focuses on rethinking everyday essentials through a regenerative lens. Its flagship product is a new kind of disposable earplug made from lab-grown mycelium, an underground network of fungi that is fully compostable and free from plastics. This innovation directly addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional foam or silicone earplugs, which generate significant waste.
What sets GOB apart is its emphasis on both sustainability and functionality. The earplugs are designed to adapt comfortably to different ear shapes through an advanced fit mechanism, while remaining free from harmful chemicals. By combining biological engineering with thoughtful design, GOB is posited as a forward-thinking solution in the wellness space. It is a product that is not only practical for daily use but also aligned with growing demands for environmentally conscious alternatives.
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GOB: Where Are They Now?
GOB appears to have gained significant traction in a relatively short time, helped in part by endorsements from well-known figures such as Billie Eilish and Wesley Schultz. This kind of visibility has amplified the brand’s reach. In addition to celebrity backing, GOB has been featured in major publications like Time Magazine, Wired, Fast Company, and The Strategist, all of which have contributed to its growing recognition and credibility. The product itself is offered in multiple package options to suit different usage needs.
The Quad pack includes four pairs of earplugs priced at $9.95, with an option to subscribe and receive a 15% discount. The Core pack contains 12 pairs for $24.95, while the Sustain pack offers 30 pairs for $54.95, catering to more frequent users. All of these options are available directly through the company’s official website, making them easily accessible to consumers. Beyond the product, GOB’s commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging, which is also biodegradable. This reinforces the brand’s overall mission of reducing environmental impact while maintaining convenience. It has a loyal and supportive consumer base that values eco-conscious alternatives without compromising on usability. By combining thoughtful design and responsible materials, GOB is steadily establishing itself as a noteworthy player in the evolving wellness and sustainability market.
