If you’re trying to be more conscious about your plastic consumption this year, there are plenty of eco-friendly smartphone accessories available today. Cases are a big one, and you actually can keep your most used piece of tech protected with a case that’s made from recycled or compostable materials. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice style in choosing a phone case that has less of an impact on the environment as a standard one. These are some of our favorite eco-friendly phone cases available today.
Quick OverviewMore options
Pela
$65 at Pela$20 at AmazonSee more optionsMore options
LifeProof Wake
$40 at Otterbox$40 at AmazonSee more optionsMore options
Casetify Ultra Compostable
$68 at Casetify$68 at AmazonSee more options
Incipio Organicore
$40 at IncipioEngadget
Pela
Without a doubt, our favorite eco-friendly phone cases are those made by Pela. We absolutely love their colors and designs, plus the fact that the entire line is 100 percent plant-based and compostable. The case material is called “Flaxstic,” which the company says is made from flax straw and compostable bioplastic elastomer. Importantly, it’s also free of BPA, phthalates, cadmium and lead. If you ever decide to get rid of it, you can indeed just chuck in a compost bin and it’ll be completely biodegradable.
What’s more, Pela cases are available for a wide array of handsets. They can accommodate iPhones (from iPhone 5 onwards), Samsung Galaxies (Galaxy S10 and newer), Google Pixels (from the Pixel 4a on) and even some OnePlus and Huawei models.
For iPhone users, we should note that Pela cases are not MagSafe-compatible by default, but you can purchase a $13 MagSafe module separately. Applying it to my phone was pretty straightforward, so that’s not a big concern, but it’s something to keep in mind.
$65 at PelaExplore More Buying Options$20 at AmazonEngadget
LifeProof Wake
LifeProof is a phone case brand that specializes in recycled materials, with each of its products being at least partially made from them. But the most eco-friendly option is the LifeProof Wake, which is made from 85 percent ocean-based recycled plastic. According to the company, a lot of that comes from discarded fishing gear, which would otherwise be a fatal hazard for marine life like sharks and turtles.
In addition, we’re big fans of the Wake’s design. It comes in four different colors, and features an attractive sculpted wave pattern. It feels sturdy and durable, and LifeProof says it’s drop proof from two meters (roughly six and half feet). Plus, it’s MagSafe-compatible by default. LifeProof Wake cases are available for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices.
$40 at OtterboxExplore More Buying Options$40 at AmazonEngadget
Casetify Ultra Compostable
Casetify is mostly known for making durable yet stylish phone cases, but it has several eco-friendly options, too. The latest is its Compostable line, which is made with a 100 percent compostable and plant-based material called “Ecotify.” Basically, it’s a blend of bamboo, biopolymers and starch.
The regular Compostable line has a drop-protection of around four feet, while the Ultra Compostable line, with its extra corner bumpers, has a drop-protection of about 6.6 feet. My recommendation would be to go with the more durable Ultra Compostable option, even if it does cost a bit more.
Unfortunately, Casetify’s Compostable line is only available for iPhones, but it does make other kinds of sustainable cases for both the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy handsets — they’re just not compostable. Instead, they’re made from 65 percent recycled materials. Plus, Casetify offers the option to return your old case, which they’ll then reuse or up-cycle to create a new one, thus reducing waste.
The biggest perk of Casetify’s cases is that they’re very customizable. Not only can you pick out your favorite bumper colors and designs (Casetify regularly partners with brands and illustrators to come up with unique styles), but you can actually add engravings to them too. You can also choose to add even more protection with thicker bumpers (Casetify says the “Bounce Case” offers a 13-foot drop protection).
$68 at CasetifyExplore More Buying Options$68 at AmazonIncipio
Incipio Organicore
Incipio’s Organicore line of cases is one of the most attractive we’ve seen, plus they are 100 percent compostable. You’ll find them in clear and opaque designs, the latter of which has a buttery texture that makes the case feel more luxurious than you’d think. Most Organicore cases will protect your handset from drops from up to eight feet, and we like the way their raised edges defend against accidental bumps and dings. There are also MagSafe options available, so you can still use your iPhone with magnetic accessories without taking your case off.