Eco Friendly Phone Cases
If you’re looking for a way to protect your phone while also doing your part to help save the planet, there are several eco friendly phone cases that can do just that.
Some are made from plant-based materials like flax, while others contain biodegradable plastics that naturally break down into soil over time. Here are our favorite sustainable case options from brands such as Pela, LifeProof, Casetify, and Wilma.
Compostable
Compostable phone cases are made of materials that break down at the end of their life and return to the earth without leaving toxic residue. This process mimics how food scraps become compost that feeds garden plants, so it’s important to choose a phone case that can be safely composted.
The best biodegradable phone cases are crafted from naturally sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, and hemp. The best brands are also climate-neutral or certified B Corporations, which means they’re committing to sustainability long-term.
These eco friendly phone cases are made from a blend of biopolymers, starch, and bamboo, and they’re printed with non-toxic, green inks. The brand plants one tree for every case sold, and they offer a variety of designs and colors to match your phone’s personality.
This is a “farm to case” product that begins on an organic linseed farm in Sweden. From there, the linseed is pelleted and molded into a beautiful design pattern. The company’s cases are Vegan Society-certified and they even have a few options for the iPhone 6 and above, as well as a few Samsung models.
Another plant-based phone case option comes from eco friendly phone cases MMORE, which sells several styles of plant-based cases made with natural fibers and biodegradable inks. They’re scented with scents like lavender, coffee grinds, or forest moss to make your phone stand out, and they are also waterproof and shockproof.
They also work with Climate Partner to offset their carbon emissions, and they use recycled cardboard mailers instead of plastic. They also donate 4% of their sales to A Good Foundation, a global sustainability initiative that works to create a more livable world.
If you want a more practical approach to sustainable phone cases, try Popsicase, which uses 20 g of scrap aluminum and 50 g of abandoned fishing nets from the Mediterranean Sea. The company recycles these materials and turns them into biodegradable pellets that are turned into phone cases, wallets, and a range of other products.
The last biodegradable phone case we’re highlighting is from Pela, a brand that makes some of the best compostable phone cases on the market. It’s made from a flax straw and starch-based polymer that’s completely compostable, so it leaves behind no harmful toxins. It even decomposes in your backyard!
Recycled
Recycled phone cases are a great way to reduce waste and support the environment. They can be made from a variety of materials, including recycled plastics, upcycled skateboards and old CDs.
You can also choose from cases that have been upcycled into other products, such as soap dishes and sponge trays. These can be useful if you have children and want to minimize the amount of soap and sponge waste in your home.
If you’re looking for a unique look, consider a case made from fishing nets. These are a great choice because they’re stylish and don’t harm birds.
Another option is a case that is made from wheat straw, a material that’s renewable and helps save energy. These cases work out slightly pricier than plastic cases, but they offer the same protection and can help you stay on trend.
MMORE case’s selection of compostable phone cases includes options with coverings made from hemp, hay, jasmine and coffee. They’re biodegradable and 100% recyclable, which means you can feel good about bringing your case into the compost bin when it’s time to dispose of it.
While some biodegradable phone cases do break down in a year or two, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications before throwing them away. This is because some of these materials may be coated with petroleum based inputs, which can affect the speed at which they break down in your backyard compost pile.
In the United States, TerraCycle has a partnership with PopSockets, a phone accessories company, to create a free national recycling program for all brands of phone cases. Simply sign up for a free mailing label and ship your phone cases to them.
You can also donate gently-used phone cases to charity organizations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. These organizations will then use the proceeds from these donations to fund good causes.
If you want to go green and don’t have a lot of extra money, consider donating your old phone cases to Pela Case. These environmentally-friendly phone cases come in a wide range of styles and designs.
Biodegradable
Biodegradable phone cases are a great way to go green and help the environment. These eco friendly phone cases are typically made from bamboo, wheat straw, or other natural materials that break down in a relatively short amount of time in a landfill or compost bin.
These biodegradable phone cases are also very easy to get rid of once you’ve finished using them, so they can be a great solution for anyone who wants to make a small impact on the world. They don’t last as long as a plastic case, but they’re still very durable and are great for daily use!
Pela cases are made from Flaxstic, a bioplastic elastomer that’s made from leftover flax straw waste. It’s free of BPA, phthalates, lead and cadmium and meets child safety standards in all developed countries.
Wave is a UK brand that makes a range of biodegradable phone cases for iPhones and Samsung phones, as well as other accessories. Theirs are designed to be slip-on, rather than a wraparound style, and they’re incredibly affordable for the level of protection they offer.
The company is incredibly transparent about their supply chain, which means they’re able to monitor all of their suppliers and ensure that they are not engaging in any unethical practices. They’re also committed to using 5% of their sales to give back to environmental charities so they can do their part in making the planet a better place.
Nimble is another UK brand that offers a range of eco friendly phone cases biodegradable phone covers that are a great choice for those looking for something a bit more stylish than the standard plastic options. They have a range of cute designs to choose from and are available for both iPhones and the Samsung Galaxy S20.
While these eco friendly phone cases aren’t as rugged as their plastic counterparts, they do offer some fantastic features like 20 feet of drop protection, a raised rim to protect your screen, and antimicrobial defenses. Plus, they’re available in a variety of colors to suit your taste.
These phone cases are made from recycled ocean plastic (namely fishing nets) and scrap aluminum, covering phones from iPhone SE 2022 and 6-12 (Plus, Pro, and Max inclusive). The cases are designed to be repurposed for future uses, so they are very eco friendly and can help the environment as well as being fun!
Vegan
If you’re looking for an eco friendly phone case, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some are made from natural materials like cork and bamboo, which are both biodegradable at the end of their life. Others are recycled or made with other sustainable materials, such as recycled plastic bottles.
A great way to go is to look for a vegan case that’s not made from leather or other animal products. These cases will do an excellent job of protecting your device while keeping it safe from harm.
Pela Case, for example, is made from a combination of flax straw material and compostable bioplastic elastomer. The biodegradable material is tested to be free of phthalates, BPA, lead, and cadmium. It can be composted in an industrial facility or at home, and Pela Case gives back by donating 1% of its sales to environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet.
Another plant-based option is a phone case that’s made from woven palm leaves, which are grown using pesticide-free methods and then dyed with non-toxic ink. Autumn Grain makes these beautiful, eco-friendly phone sleeve, and they come in a variety of colors, including Mint, Black, Dark Blue, and more.
Otto Cases, for example, makes ornate and personalized phone cases out of rose wood, cherry wood, and other types of wood. Their designs range from geometric and floral patterns to animals, abstracts, and more.
Cutly also creates eco-friendly phone cases that are laser engraved with a wide variety of designs. Their phone cases are also customizable, so you can add your name or favorite quote to your design.
Finally, Nimble’s socially conscious recycled phone cases are made from reclaimed plastic bottles. They’ll even help you save money on your next water bill when you order their cases.
The company’s founder, Maria Jose, noticed that people replace their phones every 22 months, and she was worried about the trash they were dumping. She wanted to find a better way to recycle, so she came up with a way to make the old plastic cases usable again.