Cactus sustainable phone case | OtterBox

The Rise of Sustainable Phone Cases


When you own a mobile device, phone cases and screen protectors are a necessity. We have all dropped, bumped or damaged our phones at some point and that mild feeling of panic that you may have experienced could easily be avoided with a protective phone case. 

It’s no secret that most phone cases on the market are made of plastic; quite frankly, it's the very thing that makes them so durable. However, the growing demand for a greener future has caused eco-conscious consumers to rethink how they protect their phones. That's why OtterBox has committed to creating more innovative and sustainable solutions designed to align with those greener values— without compromising style or functionality.

What Makes Eco-Friendly Phone Cases Sustainable?

Did you know that eco-friendly phone cases can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills? Plastic is one of the primary materials used because of its durability, but because they don't break down very easily and often outlives humans, the impact plastic materials have on the planet can be damaging over time. 

A high demand for phone cases causes a continuous need for manufacturing new plastic, which results in more carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. However, reusing plastics reduces carbon emissions by more than 30%. By choosing phone cases made from recycled materials, you can play a role in reducing your carbon footprint. These materials are used to create the boxes for shipping and the cases themselves, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

What Are Recycled Phone Cases Made From?

Symmetry Series Cactus Leather line up for iphone| OtterBox

Traditional phone cases are made from non-biodegradable materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, polyurethane and silicone. Although these materials provide durability to our phones, they don’t decompose naturally, leading to persistent landfill pollutants. There is a better option - eco-friendly phone cases made from recycled, natural or paper-based materials. 

  • Recycled Cases: Recycled materials such as plastic or rubber can be used to make eco-friendly phone cases, reducing waste in landfills and energy consumption during production. Some manufacturers use recycled ocean plastic, which not only reduces plastic waste but also raises awareness about the plastic pollution issue in our oceans. 
  • Natural Cases: Eco-friendly phone cases that are made from natural materials are not only sustainable but also biodegradable, without the harmful chemicals found in traditional phone cases.  Our new Symmetry Series Cactus Leather phone case exemplifies how we at OtterBox can use natural materials to create the same durable products.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Phone Cases

The demand for more environmentally friendly phone cases has been growing in recent years and for good reasons. Purchasing eco-friendly phone cases provides many benefits, some of which don't just include the environment. 

1. Environmentally sustainable: Eco-friendly phone cases are made to protect the environment, and this process begins with an intentional focus on what materials to use that will break down properly. The use of sustainable materials that are environmentally friendly yet strong enough to protect your device is an innovative science.

2. Health benefits: Sustainable phone cases are usually made from natural/non-toxic materials, which makes them a safer option for your overall health.

3. Durability and longevity: Despite their fragile appearance, eco-friendly phone cases are often very durable. High-quality, sustainable phone cases can withstand drops just as well as traditional phone cases.

Black core series iphone case | OtterBox

OtterBox Sustainable Products

OtterBox has combined its legendary protection with a greener vision to create two of our most innovative series for environmentally conscious consumers worldwide. These series are designed with our unwavering commitment to the future of sustainability without compromising on style or performance.

  • Core Series offers a wide variety of options and colors, protecting AirPods, AirTags and iPhones while using recycled materials. This not only protects your device but also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
  • Introducing our latest innovation — the Symmetry Series Cactus Leather phone case. We combined the luxurious look of our cactus leather with the reliable protection of OtterBox technology. This case is made from a resilient cactus leather alternative, designed to withstand drops, wear, scuffs and stains. Don't let its stylish appearance fool you — the Symmetry Series Cactus Leather case boasts a 3X MIL-STD drop protection rating.

Choose OtterBox and join the global movement towards a greener future.