We all want to protect our phones from the inevitable drops, scratches and tumbles of daily life, but what if your phone case could protect more than just your device? The best eco-friendly phone cases offer a great blend of durability and sustainability, helping to reduce plastic waste and better the planet.Made from natural materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled ocean waste or even sustainable bamboo, eco-friendly and compostable phone cases prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style or protection to go green.They’re designed to safeguard your device while actively combating plastic pollution, making them a win-win for both you and Mother Earth.Whether you’re looking for something sleek and minimal or bold and artistic, there’s an eco-friendly option out there that will fit your style.Instead of a standard plastic case, you can choose one that’s both practical and planet-friendly.Quick OverviewPelaMore options$65 at Pela$20 at AmazonCasetify Ultra Compostable$43 at AmazonIncipio Organicore$39.99+ at IncipioEngadgetPelaiPhone compatible: Yes | Material: Flax shive, biopolymer Without a doubt, our favorite eco-friendly, sustainable 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; another win for the planet.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 AmazonEngadgetCasetify Ultra CompostableiPhone compatible: Yes | Material: Bamboo Casetify is mostly known for making durable yet stylish phone cases, but it has several eco-friendly options, too.
The latest is its Compostable phone cases 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 plastic 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).
$43 at AmazonIncipioIncipio OrganicoreiPhone compatible: Yes | Material: Recycled materials 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.$39.99+ at IncipioEco-friendly phone case FAQsWhat makes a phone case eco-friendly?A phone case can be considered eco-friendly when it’s designed to protect not just your phone but also the planet.What sets these cases apart is the use of sustainable materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled plastic waste or even natural materials like bamboo or flax straw.
Instead of contributing to plastic pollution, these materials break down naturally over time, or are made from recycled content that reduces waste.Eco-friendly cases can also go a step further by being compostable, meaning you can toss them in a compost bin at the end of their life and they’ll decompose into the earth without leaving harmful residues.Plus, many brands behind these cases focus on sustainable practices, like reducing carbon emissions during production or offering recycling programs for old cases.
