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If you’ve managed to hold on to your phone for more than a few years, we applaud you. Tech waste is a huge problem, especially with the constant releases of the latest and greatest model encouraging an ongoing cycle of out with the old, in with the new. The pervasiveness of planned obsolescence makes it harder for even conscious consumers to keep their phones.
With every release of a new phone comes a wave of outdated plastic phone cases hitting the landfill. While you can’t do much to slow down tech waste on your own, you can at least make sure that your old case isn’t part of the problem. There are plenty of stylish and functional phone cases made with bio-based materials that can be recycled or composted.
If you can’t do anything about the lifespan of your software, you can keep the hardware safe with a durable and sustainable case from an environmentally conscious brand. Here’s what to look for:
Materials: There are a few ways to go when it comes to sustainable phone case materials. A lot of phone cases are made with recycled plastic, but these break just as easily as ones made with virgin plastic and don’t biodegrade. We recommend going with either bio-based plastics that can compost or biodegrade, or quality natural materials like leather or wood that are built to last. Look for Leather Working Group (LWG) certifications to be sure the leather used was sustainably sourced and treated.
Finishes: If you’re considering a softer case made of recycled textiles, look for labels like bluesign to make sure it doesn’t contain any toxic chemical finishes. Stay away from waterproofing features, as many are made with durable water-repellent (DWR,) which contains PFAS, a class of chemicals that never break down. Unless it’s explicitly achieved without PFAS, it’s best to pass.
Product Range: Keep an eye out for brands that carry cases for dated phones. If you end up needing to replace yours, you can be sure that they’ll still have some, as opposed to other brands that don’t maintain stock past the latest versions.
Circular Mindset: Many of the brands that make these sustainable cases will also repair, rehome, or recycle your old phone and case. If you’re planning on upgrading, consider sending your tech to them to give to someone in need.
Packaging: Look for brands that use biodegradable and compostable paper packaging, or recycled plastic, instead of virgin plastic. Check for FSC certifications to be sure the paper and cardboard used were sustainably harvested.
What we love: This crowd-funded small brand has been making custom wood phone cases since the iPhone 4 came out. Its small team creates durable made-to-order cases from sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, and leather in its Portland workshop. It uses non-toxic finishes and FSC-certified paper packaging.
Our Review: Our tester was at first confused but eventually delighted by how this wooden case works. It came flat packed in cardboard packaging. You peel the backing off of the thin wood case and then stick it onto the phone, wrapping it around the sides and even adding tiny wooden tops to your iPhone’s buttons. It’s super lightweight, and doesn’t add any bulk to your phone. Check back in a few weeks and then a few months to see how durable it is — our tester was a little wary of some of the wrap around corners coming unstuck quickly.
Models Supported: iPhone 5 and later.
Price Range: $10-$75
What we love: This phone accessory brand uses corn and bamboo-based bio-plastics to make colorful and 100% compostable cases. It uses FSC-certified non-plastic packaging and includes a free prepaid shipping label to send back your old case and chargers for recycling or proper disposal.
Our Review: Anabelle puts their phone cases through the ringer, and this was no exception. They loved all of the different styles available, but their case (from the Laguna collection) broke after three months. If you drop your phone a lot, you’ll want to go with a different brand, or try its Mojave collection. The accessories they received, including a wireless moon-shaped charger and lightning cable, are still working.
Models Supported: iPhone 12 and later.
Price Range: $45-$55
What we love: Bellroy is a certified B-Corp that makes durable phone cases with LWG-certified leather. Its recent Bio Phone Case is made with bio-based polymer. It ensures good working conditions throughout its supply chain with its code of conduct and regular audits, and its cases come with a 3-year warranty.
Our Review: Our tester tried out the three-card case in Terracotta. The case is a bit heavy, but feels sturdy and durable. The leather back is slowly getting a nice aged look that makes it feel well-loved, and the card holding feature is incredibly handy. Our tester has faith that it will last for years, but is still comforted by the warranty. It arrived in minimal recycled plastic packaging.
Watch out for: Most of its collection uses non-compostable polymer. The brand is working to increase the recycled content in its cases, but still uses some virgin materials for stability.
Models Supported: iPhone 11 and later, except for its new Bio Phone Case, which is only available for the iPhone 14.
Price Range: $19-$79
What we love: This Swedish certified B-Corp makes completely compostable phone cases and screen protectors from flaxseed. It’s committed to using low-impact materials and stays transparent about the factories in its supply chain. Its packaging is made with biodegradable sugarcane.
Models Supported: iPhone 6 and later.
Price Range: $20-$55
What we love: Zero Waste Movement makes compostable phone cases that combine functionality, protection, and storage. It uses cellulose and corn starch-based bio-plastics and includes a list of the toxic chemicals it doesn’t allow in its products in the description of each item . It holds its suppliers to its code of conduct and uses FSC-certified recycled paper packaging.
Models Supported: iPhone 6 and later.
Price Range: $30-$35
What we love: Pad & Quill is a community of entrepreneurs and artisans who work out of a historic warehouse in Minneapolis. Its code of conduct ensures every product is handmade by cared-for artisans and are made from sustainably sourced materials. Its leather and wood cases come with a 2-year warranty.
Watch out for: There is little information on the packaging available.
Models Supported: iPhone 11 and later.
Price Range: $40-$80
What we love: This California-based certified-B Corp uses a custom blend of recycled materials to make cases and accessories. It uses plastic-free recyclable packaging printed with water-based inks, and holds its suppliers to its code of conduct. All of its cases come with a 2-year warranty.
Models Supported: iPhone 12 and later.
Price Range: $45-$63
What we love: Peakdesign is a certified-B Corp that prioritizes craftsmanship in its bluesign-approved “Everyday Case”, which is made with recycled nylon and a weatherproof non-DRW coating. It hosts a huge marketplace of pre-owned cases and other gear, including its compatible mounts. The brand holds its Tier 1 and 2 suppliers to its social and environmental codes of conduct, and regularly follows up with in-person audits.
Watch out for: Its Nomad collection is made with virgin polycarbonate. The case doesn’t offer much screen protection, so you’ll have to buy a separate compatible screen protector. It still has some virgin plastics in its packaging.
Models Supported: iPhone 11 and later.
Price Range: $40-$60
What we love: This certified-B Corp makes sturdy cases made with plant-based polymers and reclaimed wheat fibers. It refurbishes old phones for resell and donation, and recycles what can’t be repaired.
Watch out for: There isn’t any information about its supply chain available.
Models Supported: iPhone 7 and later.
Price Range: $20.00
What we love: Tech21 makes high-performance phone cases that are built to survive constant wear and tear. The Evo collection is made with a bio-material additive that help them breakdown in landfills. It has a line of 100% recycled phone cases and an Eco line made with composite-wood materials, and uses recycled packaging.
Watch out for: Its Evo collection is not considered biodegradable in California, Maryland, and Washington states. These states have stricter standards for what products are considered biodegradable based on how long they take to break down, the conditions they can biodegrade in, and the physical makeup of the product. There isn’t much information about its supply chain available.
Models Supported: iPhone 11 and later.
Price Range: $30-$60
