There’s never been a better selection of eco-friendly phone cases to protect your most-used piece of technology. What makes an ideal phone case? Not only does it look good and protect your phone, it also has a minimal negative impact on the Earth. Today, innovative product makers are designing sustainable phone cases made with materials such as laser-engraved bamboo, recycled skateboards, ocean plastic, cork, and other materials. There’s also wider selection of biodegradable phone cases than ever – many of which are fully compostable in residential composting systems.
Gentle on the Earth but Tough Enough to Protect Your Phone
It’s important to note that just because these phone cases are gentle on the Earth it doesn’t mean they’re not tough enough to protect your phone. I looked for the best mobile phone cases available based on their combination of sustainable materials, unique designs, and their reputation for being durable enough to protect your phone. If you’d like to go directly to the eco-friendly phone cases made with specific materials, simply click on the jump links below.
Biodegradable and Compostable Phone Cases
Wood Phone Cases
Vegan Phone Cases
Bamboo Phone Cases
Cork Phone Cases
Recycled Phone Cases
Upcycled Phone Cases
Why it’s a good idea to get a phone case made of sustainable materials:
- 5 billion is the number of cell phone users around the globe.
- 22 months is the average time people keep their cell phones before getting a new one.
- 1.5 billion mobile phones are bought every year.
- 1.5 billion phone cases are thrown away every year.
At this rate, if everyone buys a new case when they upgrade their phone, and they throw their old case away, that’s a heck of a lot of phone cases going into the landfill or the ocean year after year. This is why I try to avoid as much petrol-based plastic as possible.
What makes a phone case eco-friendly?
If you’re in the market for a new cell phone case, here are some things to look for. The phone cases in this post all have at least one of these qualifications. First, it’s made with:
- Natural, sustainable, and easily biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, cork, or sustainably-harvested wood
- Biodegradable plastic or recycled plastic
- Other non-toxic materials, including the glues, adhesives, and lining
Second, and ideally, it comes with:
- Carbon-neutral validation
- Environmental certifications
With that, below are the coolest eco-friendly phone cases on the market today.
BIODEGRADABLE & COMPOSTABLE PHONE CASES
1. Pela Case Biodegradable Phone Cases
Jeremy Lang, the founder of Pela Case, was raised in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, where most the global supply of oil seed flax is grown. Watching many seasons of the flax harvest, he believed there should be some sort of consumer use for the leftover flax straw once the flax oil was harvested. And being someone who cared about the environment, he was aware of the tremendous waste problem that our species needs to address.
People replace their smart phone every 22 months.
He also found it odd that the average person replaces their smart phone every 22 months, yet the conventional plastic phone case used to protect the phone would last for hundreds of years. Making the connection, he developed a biodegradable and compostable material based on leftover flax straw, which he named FlaxsticTM, and the Pela Case was born.
Pela’s compostable phone cases come in a range of colors and they’ll do a great job of protecting your phone. In addition to making their bioplastic phone cases, Pela Case gives back by donating at least 1% of their sales to environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet.
Here’s a cool video from Pela that shows you just what goes into their sustainable and biodegradable phone cases:
Pela Case fits: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, 11 Pro Max, Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, S20+, S20, A50, S10+, S10, S10e, S9+, S9, S8+, S8, and S7, Samsung Note 9 and 8
Google Pixel 4XL, 4, 3XL, 3a, 3, 2XL, and 2
Huawei P30 Pro, P30, P20 Lite
2. Pela Compostable Hemp iPhone Case
Another innovative design from Pela, this phone case is made with hemp hurd, which is a by-product of the hemp industry. Hemp is a rockstar sustainable material because it can be used in a wide array of products, from shoes to clothing and more, and it’s easily grown without pesticides.
Pela’s hemp case fits: iPhone 11 Pro Max, Pro, 11, X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, and 6s
3. Wilma Compostable Phone Cases
Based in Sweden, Wilma is a sustainable tech accessories company that donates a portion of sales revenue to environmental charities. This biodegradable phone cases is 100% compostable.
Wilma fits: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, 11 Pro Max, Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, and 7
4. Wave Plastic-Free Biodegradable Phone Cases
Hailing from what they describe as “a small seaside town” on the northeast coast of England, the creators of Wave were all too familiar with the negative impacts of plastic pollution in our oceans. So, they created the Wavecase – a 100% biodegradable phone case made from wheat straw.
Wavecase fits: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, 11 Pro Max, Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, and 6s
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, S20+, and S20
5. Biodegradable Linseed Plant Phone Cases
Another sustainable products company that’s based in Sweden, A Good Company makes their colorful phone cases with the waste from linseed plants. These cases are 100% biodegradable. Choose from a variety of colors and patterns.
Fits: iPhones, with new brands and models coming soon
6. Urban Armor Gear Outback Series Phone Case
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) has come out with a line of 100% compostable phone cases. Befitting UAG’s brand, these cases are flexible, yet super tough, so your phone will be protected not matter where your adventures take you. Yet, the case will still be gentle on the Earth.
Fits: Most iPhone and Samsung models
7. Incipio Biodegradable Organicore Phone Case
Known for their minimalist tech accessories, Incipio has also jumped on the biodegradable phone case bandwagon. Their Organicore line of cases are made with 100% plant materials, and they’ve been tested to breakdown in about 6 months in industrial compost facilities. Plus, the case is drop-tested to protect your phone from drop of up to 6 feet.
Fits: Most iPhone and Samsung models
8. Castetify Customizable Biodegradable iPhone Case
Casetify has just come out with a biodegradable and compostable phone case that’s made with a biopolymers, starch, and bamboo. Their eco-friendly cases will break down into carbon dioxide, water, and other naturally-occurring minerals that mix cleanly into the soil with no toxic byproducts left behind.
Casetify takes it one step further and plants a tree for every one of the eco-friendly cases they sell. And it gets better: They’ll customize your phone case with words up to 15 characters. Comes in a variety of colors.
Fits: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, 11, 11 Pro, iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7
9. Wild UK Biodegradable Bamboo Fiber Phone Cases
Wild UK makes their 100% biodegradable and compostable phone cases with recycled bamboo fibers. They have a slightly textured feel for an easy grip. Plus, they come in a variety of fun colors, including blue, green, red, yellow, pink, and more.
Fits: iPhone XS, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, 8, and 7
10. Tech 21 Bioplastic iPhone Case
This phone case is not biodegradable or compostable, but I wanted to include it here because it gives us a hint about the future of traditional plastics. It is a plastic base, but it’s made with 37% plantbased materials. If you insist on a clear case or even one that’s sparkly, Tech 21 can be a good option. Another advantage is that the material is antimicrobial, reducing microbes by up to 99.99%.
Fits: Most iPhone models, including 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, most Samsung Galaxy models, and Google Pixel 4XL and 4
WOOD PHONE CASES
11. Wood Phone Cases by Evutec
Evutec produces Earth-friendly cases made from wood and bamboo that is certified as harvested from responsibly managed forests by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) Chain of Custody Standard. These FSC certified cases come in a variety of woods, such as white ash and ebony.
Evutec’s wooden phone cases fit a range of cell phones, including the Samsung Galaxy and iPhone. Evutec’s cases are made from a blend of organic materials that are woven together with wood veneer to create a strong case that is resistant to warping from heat and moisture.
Evutec Wood Series fits: iPhone 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6s, and 5
Samsung Galaxy S7, S6, and S5
12. Carved Wood Phone Cases
Offering a wide variety of colors and styles in wood phone cases, Carved makes it hard to choose just one. I reached out to Carved to find out where they source the wood for their cases and they told us they always look for wood that is responsibly harvested.
Carved also sources reclaimed wood from old structures and from locally downed trees after storms. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, the Carved team puts their love of technology and craftsmanship into every case they make.
Here’s a video featuring John Webber, the founder of Carved, and his team at their workshop:
Carved wood phone cases fit: iPhone 11 Pro Max, Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus,S10, S10e, Galaxy Note 9, S9 Plus, S9, Note 8, S8 Plus, and S8
Google Pixel 3a XL, 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 2 XL, and Pixel 2
Huawei P30 Pro, Huawei P30, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Mate 20, Huawei P20 Pro, Huawei P20
13. Socially Conscious Wood Phone Cases by Otto Case
Otto Cases creates ornate, customized phone cases in bamboo, rose wood, cherry wood, and other woods. There’s a design for everyone, and it’s fun to check out their Etsy shop just to see the variety. Otto Case donates 10% of sales to charities.
Fits: iPhone XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, and 6s
Samsung Galaxy S10+, S10, S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 Edge, S7, Samsung Note 9, 89
14. Wood Phone Cases for Every Brand
It’s not easy to find eco-friendly phone cases that fit LG phones, but thankfully, there’s a small company in Ukraine that makes some! Hardwood UA makes wood phone cases for not just LG phones, but basically ever other brand and model you can think of. Choose from mahogany, cherry wood, or teak. Plus, Hardwood UA laser-engraves a variety of detailed designs into the wood, so you’ll be able to find the perfect style for your tastes.
Fits: iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, LG G-Series, Huawei, OnePlus, and Sony Phones
15. Laser Engraved Wood Phone Cases by Cutly
Cutly is another designer that laser engraves artwork onto wooden phone cases. They offer an array of designs and patterns, including geometric, floral, animals, and abstract. Check out their Etsy store to see them all.
Fits: iPhone X, XS, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
Samsung Galaxy S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 Edge, S7, and S6
Google Pixel 2XL and 2
16. Studio-eQ Laser-Cut Wood iPhone Cases
Studio-eQ laser cuts unusual iPhone cases in a variety of woods, including mahogany, maple, teak, walnut, and zebrawood. They also engrave designs in bamboo. Visit their Etsy store to see their wide variety of designs.
Fits: iPhone X, XS, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
17. Custom Laser-Engraved Wooden Phone Cases by Otto Cases
Otto Cases donates 10% of the proceeds from their laser-engraved phone cases to charity. In addition to bamboo, they engrave on rose wood, cherry, and walnut. Plus, they’ll do custom order – just send them a photo or other design via their Etsy store.
Fits: iPhone XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, and 6s
Samsung Galaxy S10+, S10, S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 Edge, S7, Samsung Note 9, 8
18. Custom Laser-Engraved Photo on an iPhone Case
For another laser-engraved phone case that’s truly your own, Manual Paradise will laser-engrave a design for you from a photo on to a cherry wood case.
Fits: iPhone XS Max, XS, iPhone XR, iPhone X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, and 6
19. Cool Laser-Engraved Wooden Phone Cases by Engraver’s Dungeon
Then there is Engraver’s Dungeon. Located in Valencia, Spain, husband and wife team Diego and Camelia, create some very cool and truly unique – if a little scary – cell phone covers. I must say, with all the phone case research I’ve done, I have never seen anything quite like this. Engraver’s Dungeon also does custom orders.
So, for all you Goths, Alien, Predator, and Creature from the Black Lagoon fans out there, be sure to visit their Etsy store to see them all. Warning: It’s not for the feint hearted.
Here’s a cool video from Engraver’s Dungeon:
Engraver’s Dungeon fits: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
Samsung Galaxy S9+, S9, S8+, S8, S7 Edge, S7, S6, Samsung Note 9, and 8
VEGAN PHONE CASES
Technically, all of the phone cases on UniGuide are vegan because everything on UniGuide is vegan. And none of these phone cases have leather or other animal products in them. But, aside from the Pela Case above, these next few phone cases are truly “plant based”, so I included them here.
20. Phone Sleeve Made from Woven Grass by Autumn Grain
Autumn Grain is another cool phone case designer I found that is creating something truly unique. This eco-friendly phone sleeve is made with a woven grass and it has a vegan cotton lining. Autumn Grain will personalize your case with your name or initials (and that’s a faux leather square on the corner.)
Fits: All size phone cases. Made to order.
21. Biodegradable Phone Case Made from Woven Palm Leaves
Another beautiful design by Autumn Grain, this eco-friendly phone sleeve is made with woven palm leaves and it has a cotton lining.
Fits: All size phone cases. Made to order.
BAMBOO PHONE CASES
22. Sustainable Bamboo Cell Phone Cases by Reveal
Reveal was born out of founder Terry Omata’s love of nature and technology. After working in manufacturing in China for a decade, he experienced a crisis in his career, which he talked about in a conversation I had with him, which I shared in a on UniGuide. Terry knew there had to be a better way of designing products – one that revealed the beauty of nature, of sustainable materials, and a new way of looking at the world.
Visionary Sustainable Tech Accessories
Reveal makes a variety of sustainable tech accessories, including wood and bamboo iPhone cases and iPad Mini cases.
As a company that is dedicated to stopping the destruction of the Earth’s natural ecosystems, Reveal plants a tree for every product they sell. To date, in conjunction with the nonprofit American Forests, they’ve helped plant over 40 million trees around the world. Their eco-friendly phone cases are durable, super well-made, and they look great.
Reveal fits: iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
23. Bamboo Folio Case for iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, and 8 Plus by Reveal
If you want a cool phone case that has a cover over your screen and a built-in stand, this design by Reveal will fit the bill. It is also made with bamboo and comes in both a dark wood color and a light wood color.
The Reveal folio fits: iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
24. Custom Bamboo iPhone Cases by I Make the Case
I Make the Case creates a wide assortment of eco-friendly phone cases in laser-engraved bamboo, and they do custom designs as well. The offer so many designs that you’d be hard pressed not to find one that “speaks” to you.
Beauty in Imperfection
According to I Make the Case:”Bamboo is revered as ‘eco-friendly’ because it’s fast-growing and can yield 20-times more wood than trees. Bamboo also releases 35% more oxygen into the air than trees of similar size.
The Japanese expression wabi-sabi sums up the wonder of bamboo. It means, ‘There’s beauty in imperfection.’ We love that each bamboo skin has its own unique coloration, grain, and flow, and we value the opportunity to be connected to nature with these small treasures. We think it’s the perfect yin, to the high tech iPhone yang!”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I Make the Case fits: iPhone XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, and 6s
CORK PHONE CASES
25. Sustainable Cork iPhone Cases by Reveal
Another material that sustainable products company Reveal uses in their phone covers is cork. Cork is a sustainable and renewable natural resource, as cork trees don’t have to be cut down to harvest their bark. Cork forests serve as important habitat for over 13,000 species of animals, plants, and insects, which are not found anywhere else.
Like their bamboo phone covers, Reveal’s cork phone cases are ultra-durable and well-made. There are a variety of patterns in Reveal’s “cork leather” cases, from the Japanese wave shown above to hibiscus flowers and styles with a more unfinished, organic look. There’s also a folio style if you like to cover the screen of your phone.
Reveal fits: iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
26. Eco Quote Cork Phone Cases
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Eco Quote creates eco-friendly phone cases and other vegan accessories from sustainable cork.
Fits: iPhone 7 Plus, 7, 6 Plus, 6, 6, 6s, and 5
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, and S7
27. Cork Idea Cork Phone Cases
Cork Ideas makes cute phone cases and other accessories with eco-friendly cork. There are styles with credit card sleeves, like the one pictured here, as well more minimalist designs.
Fits: iPhone and Samsung phones
RECYCLED PHONE CASES
28. Popsicase Recycled Fishing Net iPhone Cases
29. Nimble Recycled Plastic Bottle Phone Cases
30. Sesh Recycled Skateboard Phone Cases
31. Skateboard Phone Case by Skate4create
32. Ocean75 Recycled Fishing Nets Phone Cases
UPCYCLED PHONE CASES
33. Recycled Tire Phone Sleeve by Velo Culture
34. Upcycled Tennis Ball Phone Sleeve
Very comprehensive list, well-written as in we do have the technology now to make any phone case eco friendly
However there is still this Apple/Samsung focus, what about Oppo and other larger phones – if someone had one website where you just selected whatever phone you wanted and the dimensions along with all the camera/button styles were plugged into your 3D printer or whatever you’d be laughing 😀
Looking for one for an Oppo
Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind when I update this!
I wish there was a case with a kickstand, or the option to purchase a sustainable kickstand separately.
Hi Leia,
Thanks for your comment. That’s a good idea. I’ll do some additional research on that. I know there are iPad cases with the stands, but for the phone too is a great idea.
Thank u , many idea for eco friendly
for my daughter i buy a phone case 100% souced bio from 365 reusable
and perhaps for me in the future a wood phone case
Awesome! Good choice!
Hi,
I’m also looking for an eco friendly wallet style phone case so I can keep a few cards with my phone (but not an actual wallet like the ones in the link ).
I have an iPhone 6s
Many thanks
Charlotte
Hi Charlotte, I need to add that style to the post. I don’t see enough of them, but I think there are some cork styles on Etsy. You might find some here: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=cork%20wallet%20phone%20case (I did a search on “cork wallet phone cases,” Good luck!
Thank you! Will take a look.
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the message. All of the wallets on UniGuide are vegan. Just do a search for “wallets” in the search bar and you’ll find them!
Hi Bonnie,
It’s still hard to find eco-friendly phone cases and those made with natural materials for LG phones. I did find one company though – see Item #9 above – Hardwood UA – a company in Ukraine makes them. And, Etsy offsets all CO2 emissions from shipping, so you don’t have to feel as bad about buying products shipped from Ukraine! Have a good one!
“#9 above” is a Castetify & only for:
Fits: iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, and 12 Mini, 11, 11 Pro, iPhone X, XS, XR, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7.
I need a case for my LG Aristo 5 & really hate using oil-based ones! (In my day, we eco-folks were called tree-huggers.)
I note that all of the companies are mighty partial to Apple. Poor Android!
Thanks for flagging this. Let me do some more research on that phone model.
Glad you find it helpful. That’s why UniGuide exists. :o) Have a good one!
Thank you for writing this! It’s hard to know what to get and it’s really helpful when information is compiled in one place. There’s some really awesome company’s and this features a lot of cool ideas that people have had. I’ve been trying to find a new sustainable phone case for about a week and a half now and this article has definitely helped me on my journey to finding the right one. Thanks again!
I hear you. It’s frustrating because many of the eco-friendly phone case designers and producers are small, independent companies. So, keeping up with the constant redesigns of phones is challenging for them. Not to mention, it’s wasteful. I wish the phone companies would stick with one shell and just upgrade software – that would be more environmentally friendly!