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Did you know that the average person changes their phone every 3 years? Yet traditional plastic phone cases can sit in landfills for thousands of years and many never fully biodegrade at all.
There has to be a better way, right? Well, now there is.
I've researched and tested some of the best eco-friendly phone cases (for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, and more) that are made from recycled, renewable, and biodegradable materials.
They offer the same (or better) protection for your phone, without harming the environment. What's more, they are affordable and look stunning!
My overall winner is fully compostable and fits most makes and models, but read on as I have some excellent options that will suit all tastes and budgets...
✔ Compostable Plant-Based Materials
✔ Screen Protection Guarantee
✔ 100% Happiness Guarantee
We Say: Pela is the biggest brand in the zero-waste phone cases market, and when I started to test their products, it was easy to see why.
The primary material used to make Pela Phone Cases is something they like to call Flaxstic, a mixture of flax straw waste, plant-based biopolymers, and other sustainable materials.
It's fully compostable and, according to the manufacturer, generates 30% less carbon emissions. 34% less water usage, and 80% less waste than other cases.
You can review exactly how these cases are made below.
I was pleased to discover that my Pela Case is non-toxic and free from BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals. The cases are certified biodegradable to U.S. standards and take between six months and two years to break down entirely.
Customers like myself have so far prevented 48,433,866 plastic bags from entering our oceans. I was also pleased to note that they are Climate Neutral Certified. This is done by purchasing verified carbon credits.
They’re also a member of the 1% For The Planet scheme. This means the company gives back by donating 1% of its sales to clean ocean initiatives such as Surfrider, Save the Waves, and Oceana.
After testing more cases than I care to remember, I can safely say that Pela is the best-performing biodegradable phone case brand I have seen.
If like me you have other devices in need of protection, Pela's range of products available also includes AirPods cases, smartwatch bands, and other accessories.
For all these reasons, Pela is my number one choice of eco-friendly phone case, and I'm confident you'll love it.
✔ Compostable Plant-Based Materials
✔ 5ft Drop Tested
✔ Certified FDA Safety Compliant
We Say: As someone who is often described as a "summer person" I was instantly attracted to the design of the Summer Waves case. It looks amazing on my iPhone. But it's the eco-credentials that make this accessory really stand out from the crowd.
It's made from plant-based materials that will fully biodegrade in as little as six months and is suitable for home composting. I haven't tested the biodegradability personally yet though as there is no way I'm throwing this case into the compost just yet!
What I have tested is the 5ft drop shock absorbance - and I can confirm it offers excellent protection. There was no sign of damage or cracks of any kind when I dropped a test phone onto concrete.
I also love that the design on these plastic-free phone cases is printed in environmentally friendly water-based inks, which are phthalates, cadmium, and BPA-free. It's always a comfort to know there are no hidden nasties lurking in my pocket.
Summer Waves ships worldwide but is manufactured in various global locations, which cuts down on carbon emissions from shipping (which Etsy offsets anyway) as well as delivery time.
In the US, delivery is usually within 14 days - and it's free.
✔ 100% Biodegradable & Compostable
✔ Affordable Price
✔ Personalized Designs Available
We Say: This awesome eco iPhone case comes from a 5* rated seller with over 26,000 reviews. It's made from wood-based materials and is SGS-certified biodegradable and 100 percent compostable
There is a choice of standard designs available, including the popular fern leaf which I tested. But what I really love is that they offer the option to have your own custom design printed instead if you prefer.
My main reason for including this accessory is that it offers exceptional value for money. The price point is extremely affordable compared to other phone cases I tested, and includes free domestic AND international shipping - usually within 7 days (mine arrived in just 4).
The downside is that the case is prone to discoloration due to the natural fibers used to make it. Although I personally didn't see any, this has been reported by other users. Also, while it fits most iPhone models, it is not currently available for Android or Google Pixel phones.
However, if you are an iPhone user, this is a superb compostable phone case from a highly-rated seller at a budget price point, so well worth consideration.
We Say: Wilma phone cases are made from certified biodegradable corn-based bioplastic. When your case reaches the end of its usable life, it will biodegrade into carbon dioxide and water.
This process takes approximately six months, which is in line with most of the other eco-friendly phone cases I tested.
Wilma is a Sweden-based company that clearly cares about the state of our oceans. I love the marine-inspired designs on the back.
If you don’t want a whale or a seahorse on the back of your phone, there are also non-decorative options available.
Every color option uses eco-friendly paint that passes all relevant non-toxicity tests.
✔ 100% Compostable & Biodegradable
✔ Excellent Protection
✔ Recyclable Packaging
We Say: The Outback Series case from Urban Armor Gear is a classy-looking snap case with understated styling.
What it lacks in ‘bling’, it more than makes up for in performance and eco-friendliness.
I found the grip levels were slightly lower than some of the other cases I tested, but this was not an issue for me. There was still plenty of grip, it’s certainly not a slippy case. Besides, even if it does slip out of your hand, your phone will be absolutely fine with military drop-tested durability.
When you do come to upgrade your cell, you can do so relatively guilt-free. This is both a compostable and a biodegradable phone case - provided you dispose of it correctly of course.
We Say: This is another minimalistic, understated design that I liked (don’t worry if you’re a fan of more decorative designs, I’ve got you covered further down the page).
Saying that, though, there is a decent range of colors available in the Organicore range. I went for the deep pine green.
All Oranicore phone cases come with a lifetime warranty, and there is free shipping on all U.S orders.
Organicore has partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects to plant one tree for every case sold.
This phone case also protects your device to a very high standard. Impact Struts Technology means that your phone will be protected even when dropped from a height of 8ft - the highest drop rating of any sustainable case I tested.
The Organicore range is certified to meet or exceed global testing standards ASTM D6400 and EN13432. As a home composter myself, this is a big plus point for me.
✔ Removes Plastics from the Ocean
✔ Includes Screen Protector + Wireless Mag Safe Charger
✔ Recycled and Recyclable
We Say: I love it when brands use recycled materials to make new products, especially when they retrieve them from the ocean. So these MMORE recycled plastic phone cases spoke to me straight away.
This is a transparent phone cover, but firm and well-made. It won't lose its shape or go yellow like some cheap cases do. Even after months of use, I found that it still looks brand new and performs superbly.
It's also excellent value. For under $50, you get a super sustainable phone case, screen protector, AND a wireless Magsafe charger.
As well as being made from a mix of recycled PET and wheat straw, this ethical phone case is itself recyclable, meaning it doesn't need to end up in a landfill or back in the ocean where it came from.
You'll also get free shipping (with carbon offset) and a 30-day no-quibble money-back guarantee.
✔ Made from Recycled Compact Discs
✔ 6ft Drop Protection
✔ Anti-Bacterial & Scratch-Resistant
We Say: I wasn’t sure about including these upcycled phone cases on the list due to them only being available for the latest iPhones. Then a wave of nostalgia washed over me (I used to own mountains of CDs and always wondered what happened to my Celine Dion Greatest Hits that I sent away for recycling years ago!) and they made the cut.
To be fair, even without the nostalgia, the Disc Case is pretty impressive.
The clear design appeals to my taste, and the grip is surprisingly effective for a product that looks slippy.
The Nimble Disc Case is certified to protect your phone from drops of up to 6ft.
Hygiene has also been considered when designing this case. A permanent anti-bacterial, scratch-resistant, and anti-yellowing coating is used.
I love the fact that every case is sent with a free return label for you to return any old plastic cases for safe and responsible recycling. In return, Nimble will send you a 15% off voucher. A win for the planet and your wallet. NICE!
Nimble as a company is also spot on when it comes to eco-credentials. They’re a CarbonFree partner, Climate Neutral Certified, use SCS Global certified recycled content, a B Corp, and a 1% For The Planet member.
✔ 5 Color Options
✔ Made from Recycled Inner Tubes
✔ Space for Credit Cards
We Say: As a keen cyclist, I simply had to include this neat offering from Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Old bicycle inner tubes are scrubbed clean and cleverly upcycled to make unique phone cases. It’s actually more of an eco-friendly phone sleeve than a case.
The rubber’s natural properties mean that this case offers a decent level of support and waterproofing.
You have the choice of five different colors (black, blue, green, pink, and red).
Shipping to the U.S. costs $5.74 and takes between 10 and 25 days from the point of ordering.
We Say: There is something pleasingly tactile about using eco-friendly wood and bamboo products to cover modern tech.
Reveal is doing some really cool things with wood, cork, bamboo...and even carbon fiber!
I particularly like the Japanese Ocean Sunset Print cork phone case. I know. Pretty jazzy for me, right?
As well as designing cool eco-friendly iPhone cases, Reveal are also committed to reducing their carbon footprint as much as possible. They donate to select non-profits ($110,000+ donated so far) and plant a tree for every product sold.
✔ Every Case Unique
✔ Tree Planted for Every Case Sold
✔ Free Shipping in Reusable Packaging
We Say: If you’re looking to express your personality through your choice of eco-friendly cases, the Wood Collection from MMORE Cases has you covered.
Each case is handmade and unique due to the natural variations in wood grains and patterns.
There are some awesome designs available. The Mandalorian case is particularly cool!
MMORE has a ‘Buy One. Plant One.’ scheme that plants a tree for every case sold.
Free shipping is available. All cases are shipped in 'zero waste' and 'zero impact' packaging.
The cases are edged with recycled TPU. This will need to be removed and recycled before the case can be composted or biodegraded.
In addition to the Wood Collection, MMORE also offers biodegradable, personalized, and organic phone case options. The entire range is definitely worth a look.
✔ Unique Hand-Made Product
✔ Fits Most Phone Sizes
✔ Helps Support Artisans
We Say: Ok. So this MIGHT be a category squeezed in to keep Mrs. M happy. However, this does not take away from the fact that Bamboo Trading Company makes charming products that do serious global good.
Mrs. M adores her Hupi Cell Phone Bag. It has a wooden button closure at the top and an outside zippered pocket for money or lipstick.
It’s 4.25” wide and 6.5” high, so big enough to accommodate most phone sizes.
This is not a phone case as such, so it does not offer much in terms of drop or water resistance. But it is enough to prevent scratches on your screen.
Your purchase helps women in Guatemala support their families and carry on the traditional textile arts of their ancestors. A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to organizations that empower women and children in Guatemala by providing them with access to education, health care, and clean water.
This cell phone bag costs $4 to ship to an address in the U.S., and Etsy will offset carbon emissions from shipping and packaging on this purchase.
I tested a lot of so-called eco phone cases for this article, and rejected many that didn't make the grade.
To help you see why I chose Pela Case as my #1 recommendation, I've compared the key criteria of the 5 best sustainable phone cases I tested in the table below.
| Pela (Top Pick) | Summer Waves | MMORE Recycled | Nimble Disc | Velo Culture | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
| Models | Any | iPhone / Samsung | iPhone | iPhone | iPhone / Samsung |
| Materials | Plant Based | Bioplastic & Bamboo Fiber | Recycled Ocean Plastic | Recycled CDs | Recycled Inner Tubes |
| End of Life | Biodegradable | Biodegradable | Recyclable | Free Recycling | Recyclable |
| Drop Test | 6ft | 5ft | Not Specified | 6ft | None |
| Grip | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Good |
| Plastic-Free | ✔ | ✔ | No | No | ✔ |
| Non-Toxic | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Price (From) | $45 | $33 | $46 | $40 | $23 |
Needlessly replacing damaged phones is not an eco-friendly habit. Having a protective case can help prevent damage from dropping or submission in water, so they are certainly an accessory we all should have.
The problem is that most phone cases are made from various plastics, which have a terrible impact on the environment.
Using phone cases to protect your phone is a good thing. It prevents them from being scratched or damaged, prolongs their life, and therefore (in theory) creates less waste. The problem is how they are made, and what they are made from.
When you examine the sheer volume of cases sold and waste produced, the numbers are staggering.
Please don't throw your old case in the trash! Donate, reuse, or recycle it if you can.
Sources: Pew Research | US Census | Phone Arena | Credence Research | NIH
These 23 shocking plastic stats show why we all need to be conscious of the waste we produce. So as responsible cell phone users, we should be looking to avoid virgin plastic at all costs.
Luckily, we don't need to compromise on quality. Sustainable phone cases offer the following benefits:
Earlier, I revealed my personal favorite sustainable phone case from the 30+ that I tested, plus a selection of others that I also recommend.
They're all good options, but how do you choose which one is right for you? These are the criteria I used to finalize the list.
Biodegradable plastics (bioplastics for short) are created using plant-based fibers and used to form a plastic-like substance that is then molded into shape The most common types of fibers used are flax, cornstarch, wheat straw, and bamboo.
Using purely natural materials is an easy way to make your phone case eco-friendly.
Natural materials finding their way into eco-friendly phone cases include:
Bamboo phone cases are rising in popularity and are a sustainable option, providing that the bamboo comes from a certified and well-managed source.
Bamboo is fast-growing and needs little water.
Hardwood cases are another excellent option when shopping for an eco-friendly phone case.
They’re particularly popular with people looking for a more personalized look, due to the ability to laser-etch bespoke designs and even photos directly onto the case.
The shock-absorbing properties of wooden cases can be a bit hit-and-miss. Some wooden phone cases protect cell phones well, but some will split when dropped from a significant height.
Always look out for the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification when shopping for hardwood products.
Cork is a fully sustainable natural resource because it’s harvested by shaving bark from a cork tree. You can do this approximately once every ten years when the bark has fully grown back.
Cork is also naturally shock absorbent and 100% compostable.
Using post-consumer waste materials, such as recycled plastic, in phone cases is a good way to use something bad.
Recycled phone cases are an excellent way of getting harmful plastics out of landfills, waterways, and oceans, and turning them back into something useful.
The main purpose of a case is for protection. If you often drop your phone like I do, you need a case that has been drop-tested.
The drop rating means that testing confirms your phone will not break when dropped from a specific height. I would recommend you look for 5ft or higher.
The best way to avoid drop damage is to keep your phone in your hand! For that, you'll need a case with a good grip that won't slip when you're using it.
We all know that cells come in different shapes and sizes these days. You need to ensure your phone case is compatible with the make and model you own.
That depends on the type of screen protector you go for. One made from single-use plastic is definitely not eco-friendly. Instead, consider buying one made from sustainably produced toughened glass.
Not only is it better from an environmental perspective, it will also do a better job protecting your phone. Alternatively, if you really want to protect your screen AND the planet, take a look at this clever liquid screen protector.
There is no reason why you can't protect the environment and your phone at the same time. Most of the eco phone cases (and other phone accessories) I’ve recommended in this article are vegan because no animal products are used in their production.
These are ethical phone cases as well as being environmentally friendly, so you can shop with confidence.
According to the official PopSocket help pages, there are three steps to making it sticky again:
Biodegradable materials will break down entirely in a commercial facility, whereas compostable materials will break down entirely on a residential compost heap.
I’ve tried to account for all tastes when choosing my eco-friendly phone case recommendations.
It might be a bit of a clique...but the fully compostable line of Pela Cases is the original and came out as the winner in all my tests. It offers excellent all-around phone protectiveness for a wide range of phones while treading very lightly on the planet.
However, if you don't necessarily need complete drop-proofing like me, you might want to consider a wooden phone case.
What we do at the end of the life of our phone cases is very important.
For example, buying a biodegradable case means nothing if we mindlessly toss it in the trash when we no longer need it. It won't biodegrade appropriately in a trash bag on a landfill pile!
All this said, the most sustainable product is the one you already have. If your old phone case is in decent shape, then maybe stick with it until it falls apart or until your phone needs upgrading.
Phone cases may be tiny in the grand scheme of saving the environment. However, any small steps we can take to help the tech industry become more sustainable are still steps in the right direction. The longest journey starts with the smallest steps.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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