Best Products > Phones & Accessories The Best Sustainable Phone Cases Go green while protecting your screen By Katie Dundas Katie Dundas Twitter Writer University of Massachusetts University of Stirling Katie Dundas is a writer with an affinity for cameras, drones, and fitness tech. She has written for Business Insider, Travel Trend, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 15, 2023 We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Tweet Share Email Phones & Accessories Accessories While we love the style and protection smartphone cases bring to devices, the sad truth is that these plastic and silicone cases often end up in the trash when we no longer need them. If you want to protect the planet, it’s time to consider switching to a sustainable phone case. Sustainable cases are made of recycled or organic material and can completely break down within months once discarded, leaving no pollution behind. They snugly protect your phone just as a traditional case would, but without the plastic. Best Overall URBAN ARMOR GEAR UAG Outback Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Durable, ergonomic design Meets military drop-test standards Packaging is completely biodegradable What We Don't Like Exterior can scratch easily Limited color choices The Urban Armor Gear UAG Outback is the first biodegradable series from the brand, which is great from a sustainable perspective. It's made from plant-based bioplastic, and the packaging is also degradable and plastic-free, made from recycled cardboard and soy-based ink. The Outback protects both the environment and your phone with an ergonomic design that’s both slim and durable—it’s soft to the touch but also meets military-grade drop test protection, ensuring your phone can withstand falls and accidents. You’ve also got a raised bevel around the camera for extra protection. It’s sturdy enough to protect your phone outdoors, when hiking, or when playing sports, but it’s also perfect for daily use. We’d like to see the color range expanded to provide more than a handful of subdued choices, but it’s otherwise one of the top sustainable phone cases on the market today. Best Design Pela Phone Case Amazon View On Amazon What We Like 100% compostable Beautiful color palette Slim and thin design What We Don't Like Pale colored cases tend to show dirt easily Can be tricky to clean We love that the Pela Phone Case is entirely environmentally friendly—it's 100% compostable and biodegradable, meaning it won’t clutter up a landfill once you’re no longer using it. Pela also proves that eco-friendly products can be stylish, with cases offered in a range of aesthetically-pleasing colors and designs. The company even includes special edition wildlife cases to raise funds for nature charities. The Pela design is slim, easy to grip, and durable. Their cases are made from a material called Flaxstic, composed of flax straw shive and plant-based biopolymers. It also meets government standards for compostability and is free from unwanted chemicals frequently found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates. With plenty of fabulous designs and gorgeous colors, you can shop with pride knowing that a portion of your purchase will go to charity and that your phone case is helping the environment. However, we recommend a darker-colored case, as some users report that paler colors tend to stain easily. Most Versatile Casetify Custom Compostable Eco Friendly Phone Case View On Casetify.com What We Like Toxin-free and completely compostable Add personalization and select your color Drop-proof up to four feet What We Don't Like Can be slippery when new Expensive The Casetify Custom Compostable is a stylish and robust case that gives you plenty of options to personalize it however you like. From a design perspective, you can select the color, add your name or initials, and position the text where you want—it’s a lot of fun and is sure to appeal to the younger crowd. There are plenty of bright colors to choose from, too. The cases are made from a combination of bamboo, cornstarch, and pellet—all organic materials that will break down 100% within a few months after they're discarded. Even the laser used to customize the cases is free from chemicals and toxins, so you can be confident that your purchase is helping the environment. Plus, the packaging is made from recycled materials. The Custom Compostable will keep your phone secure, too, with a drop rating of up to four feet and a one-piece, slim design that you can pop on and off. Bamboo is known for its strength, so it’s a natural choice to include in a phone case. If you’re looking for a versatile case that can match your style, the Casetify Custom Compostable is an excellent choice if your budget allows it. Best for iPhone Nimble Bottle Case 2 View On Gonimble.com What We Like Slim case made from recycled plastic bottles Cardholder on the reverse Water-resistant What We Don't Like Fabric can fray over time Wireless charging won’t work when a credit card is in the holder The Nimble Bottle Case 2 is made from just what you’d think—100% recycled plastic bottles. No new plastic is used in the case or the packaging, with Nimble pairing up with a range of ocean and coral charities to give back. The Bottle Case 2 is comfortable to grip, thanks to the slightly textured feel of the fabric. Its rugged shell design slips firmly onto your iPhone, guarding against scratches and drops. We also like that the case is water-resistant if you plan on taking your phone near the pool or beach. Plus, the case allows for wireless charging. If you’re the type who enjoys using your phone as a wallet case, the Bottle Case 2 offers an exterior cardholder that can fit a card and ID. Just note that you’ll need to take the cards out to use the case with a wireless charger. This is a great contender for your next iPhone case, and it's available in various colors inspired by nature. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit