The best sustainable phone case materials: OtterBox eco-friendly picks

At OtterBox, we believe you can protect your phone and the planet. From rugged cases made with recycled plastics to sleek, plant-based options like cactus leather, our eco-friendly picks are engineered to last — without the environmental cost. This guide breaks down the best material for phone cases, what makes a case truly sustainable and how OtterBox is reimagining protection through a greener lens. 

More shoppers are thinking beyond the look and feel of their phone case. You shouldn’t have to choose between doing good and looking good when it comes to your most frequently used accessory. That’s why our eco-friendly designs deliver the same OtterBox toughness you trust, without the potential guilt. 

Think of it as future-proofing your phone and your footprint. After all, every small switch adds up to a big yes for the planet — and yes always beats no. Because when you say yes to protecting what matters, you’re saying yes to what’s next.

What makes a phone case sustainable?

A sustainable phone case is about more than just being made from a “green-sounding” material. It checks multiple boxes:

• Recycled content: Less demand for virgin plastic.
• Low-impact materials: Minimal emissions, water usage and waste.
• Longevity: Made to last, not just for a season.
• Ethical sourcing: Materials and labor that meet high environmental and social standards.

At OtterBox, we evaluate materials based on their environmental impact and overall performance. How many steps does it take to produce before it’s in the hands of our customers? What’s the overall cause-and-effect of low-quality products that quickly wear out? They end up in a landfill. That’s why our goal is simple: to create products that are built to last, so fewer items end up in the bin.

That extends to our bigger picture, too. By reducing our reliance on virgin plastic, we can lean more toward sustainable packaging design — where every detail matters. It’s about making conscious choices today that can have a direct impact on the future. 

That’s why our designs focus on timeless colors and durable builds, perfect for long-term style and protection. We’re focusing on our bigger vision for a cleaner, smarter supply chain. Every OtterBox case we ship is a small step toward a bigger yes — a yes to protecting your phone and the planet at the same time.

What are the best materials for phone cases?

Not all eco-friendly materials are created equal — especially when it comes to protecting your phone.

Some compostable cases break down fast. Others use a bamboo or cork blend, which can feel cool but may not offer true drop protection — an essential to keeping your phone safe no matter what chaos the day brings. That’s where more durable materials, like recycled plastics and cactus-based leather, come in. They blend form, function and environmental impact.

Our philosophy is to focus on sustainable materials that last. Materials that are better for your phone, your wallet and the planet.

“We’re proud that certain products have earned Environmental Claim Validations for Recycled Content from UL, one of the most respected third-party testing and validation bodies.”

OtterBox Symmetry Series Core: Durable phone cases made from recycled plastics

When it comes to sustainability and strength, our products have come a long way — especially our OtterBox Symmetry Series Core. By revolutionizing how we incorporate recycled plastics into our protective phone cases, our engineers created a product line that’s both eye-catching and forward-thinking.

This series stands out from others because it’s:

• Made with at least 50% recycled material, including both post-industrial and post-consumer plastics.
• Designed for reduced material usage and minimal packaging waste.
• 3X drop rating for military-grade protection, so you get the rugged durability OtterBox is known for.

“(We wanted to…) make something that overtly looked recycled so that from across the room, you could see this product on the shelf and be like, oh, I know that's recycled without even reading about it.” John Fitzgerald, Lead Industrial Designer

Whether you're upgrading your case or your values, the Symmetry Series Core helps you do both.

Explore Core Series Sustainability Story

Cactus leather: Eco-friendly phone cases with style

What is cactus leather? It’s a next-gen, plant-based faux leather made from the nopal cactus (prickly pear). This edible plant features flat, oval-shaped pads, and thrives in arid climates where other crops can’t survive, making it a shining star for sustainable materials. Cactus leather has several other benefits, including: 

• It’s grown without irrigation, helping to save water.
• It’s biodegradable, non-toxic and free of PVC and plasticizers.
• It looks and feels luxurious by using ethical sourcing practices without harming animals or the planet.
• It’s incredibly durable — resisting scratches and wear so your case stays looking fresh season after season.

Our Statement Series Cactus Leather Collection uses this material in a way that blends artistry with impact. Each case includes rich textures, detailed embroidery and a soft-touch finish. You get that buttery leather feel without the environmental baggage. These aren’t just vegan leather phone cases — they’re wearable statements. And because they’re made to last, you’re investing in durability with style that won’t end up in a landfill six months later.

Looking to match your eco values with premium aesthetics? Say yes to cactus. Because sometimes the best statements are the ones that quietly say, “I care.”

Shop OtterBox's Statement Series Cactus Leather Collection



OtterBox’s sustainable packaging design and eco commitments 

Every step matters when it comes to sustainability. From how a material is sourced to the box a product is shipped in, our commitment to eco-friendly practices extends beyond what's in your hand. We pay close attention to the full cycle of a product’s life, starting with packaging that’s better for the planet and caring about what happens after you receive your order. 

We’re focusing on more than just phone cases. OtterBox is rolling out sustainable packaging design across product lines. That means:

• Reduced plastics in packaging
• More recyclable materials
• Smaller packages for optimized shipping (less carbon footprint!)

Our stretch goal is circularity — products designed to last, and materials designed to be reused. From 2021 to 2024, we repurposed more than 6.1 million pounds of recycled content.

We continually test, update, and improve our designs, focusing on making them lighter on waste and heavier on protection. Saying yes to sustainability means implementing and practicing eco-conscious habits that last as long as our cases do.

And we’re just getting started. The way we see it, small packaging changes lead to big environmental wins — and that’s a future worth protecting.

Want to know more? Check out our full Sustainability Statement.



Final thoughts: Why OtterBox offers the best sustainable phone cases

You shouldn’t have to compromise your style so you can tote around a sustainable phone case. That’s why we’re blending eco-friendly materials, bold design and industry-leading protection to help you protect what matters most. From sustainable cactus leather to recycled plastics, every material is chosen with purpose — tested for both its environmental impact and its ability to keep your phone safe through life’s moments.

Saying yes to sustainability means saying yes to fewer devices in landfills, fewer resources wasted and more adventures without worry. Plus, with OtterBox’s military-grade drop protection and limited lifetime warranty, you’re not just buying a case — you’re investing in gear that’s built to last and designed to make a difference. So, if you’re looking for a phone case that’s both durable and sustainable, you just found it.