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The Future of Phone Cases – Why Plant-Based is the New Plastic?

06 Sep 2024

We rarely stop to think about our phone cases, right? It's one of those things we grab without much thought - protects the phone, maybe looks good, and that's it. But the not-so-fun fact is that the plastic case you're using is going to stick around… for centuries. That’s right, long after you've upgraded your phone, your old case will still be out there, adding to the piles of plastic waste clogging up our planet.

But, we don’t have to accept plastic as the only option anymore. Now we have biodegradable cases that do everything a plastic case does, but without sticking around forever. Let’s take a closer look at why these eco-friendly alternatives are gaining so much attention.

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Why are plastic phone cases doing more harm than good?

Plastic phone cases are everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. They’re affordable, they come in all kinds of styles, and they protect our expensive phones. But their convenience hides a bigger issue - the environmental damage they cause. Plastic is made from fossil fuels. Once discarded, it takes hundreds of years to decompose, and during that time, it pollutes ecosystems, harming wildlife and releasing toxic chemicals into the soil and water. And the production? Not great either. Producing plastic requires a huge amount of energy. Plus, there’s also the difference between traditional, recycled, and circular plastic, which is essential to understand.

Plastic Phone Cases

Every time we upgrade our phones, we often ditch the old case without a second thought. That means millions of cases are thrown away each year, contributing to a growing waste problem.

So, what are plant-based phone cases?

These cases are made from renewable resources like hemp, corn starch, and flax - materials that can be regrown and don't harm the planet.

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is one of the main ingredients, and no, you don't need a chemistry degree to get it. PLA is a material made from things like cornstarch or sugar cane, and unlike the traditional plastic we're used to, it actually breaks down over time. Then there's hemp, which grows crazy fast and doesn’t need much water or pesticides. It's strong too, making it perfect for phone cases that can handle everyday wear and tear.

Plants Used in Plant-Based Phone Case Production

Combine all this with PBAT, a biodegradable polymer that breaks down completely without leaving any nasty toxins behind, and you’ve got yourself a phone case that does the job and doesn't haunt the planet forever. Do we have a name for our plant-based material?

Meet PLNTPRTCT™

We took all these incredible materials and created something even better - PLNTPRTCT™, our very own plant-based powerhouse. This unique blend combines hemp, PLA, and PBAT to form a strong, sustainable, and stylish phone case that goes above and beyond. PLNTPRTCT™ combines hemp, PLA, and PBAT into a durable and eco-friendly case that’s tough on drops but easy on the planet.

We’ve made sure the entire process, from start to finish, is as sustainable as possible. Our phone case production facility in Sweden runs on renewable energy - solar power during the sunny months and hydroelectric power when it gets colder. This means that our cases are produced with minimal environmental impact.

It wasn’t an easy road - we went through plenty of challenges and tweaks to get it just right. But now, we're proud to have created a material that looks great, feels even better, and truly makes a difference for the planet.

Teal Blush Design Plant Based Phone Case
White Plant-Based Phone Case iPhone 15 Pro
Plant-Based Phone Case Color Splash agood company

The circular life of plant-based phone cases

Now, (drumroll, please), what really sets plant-based phone cases apart is their end-of-life story. Instead of piling up in landfills like plastic, these cases are designed to either break down or be reused, giving them an eco-friendly finale.

Once your case has served its purpose, it doesn’t just get tossed away. These cases can be industrially composted, breaking down under the right conditions without leaving a trace of harmful residue. The materials used, like PLA and PBAT, are made to decompose efficiently in specialised facilities, returning to the earth without the environmental baggage of plastic.

Closed-loop system - agood loop™

And if composting isn’t an option, there’s another route we highly recommend! Our phone cases are designed to be recycled. In fact, they can go through the recycling process multiple times, extending their life cycle far beyond what you'd expect from a phone case. We’re talking up to seven cycles of use and reuse, giving you peace of mind that your case is part of a closed-loop system rather than ending up as waste.

To make this process even easier, we’ve introduced agood loop™. When your case has reached the end of its life, simply send it back to us. We’ll handle the rest, ensuring it’s either recycled or composted, depending on the condition.

Join the Good Fight Plant-Based Phone Case

Why circularity is the future of consumer goods

The way we make and use products is finally changing. Instead of the old "use it and toss it" approach, circularity is all about keeping materials in play for as long as possible. Think of it as closing the loop - products are designed not just for use, but for what happens after. They can be reused, recycled, or safely returned to the earth. And it’s not just about reducing waste (though that’s a huge part of it). Circularity helps conserve resources and cut down on emissions, too. The future of consumer goods, from phone cases to everyday essentials, is headed in a direction where nothing is wasted, and that’s a win for both people and the planet.

FAQs - all about agood plant-based phone cases

Still curious about plant-based phone cases? We totally get it. Trying something new can bring up a lot of “what ifs.” So, let’s dive into some of the most common questions to help you feel good about making the switch to a more sustainable option.

1. Are plant-based phone cases as durable as plastic ones?

Absolutely! Plant-based cases are designed to protect your phone just as well as any traditional plastic case. Materials like hemp and PLA are tough enough to handle everyday wear and tear, from accidental drops to scratches.

2. Can I compost my plant-based phone case at home?

Not exactly. While our cases are biodegradable, they require the controlled conditions of industrial composting to break down properly. That means they’ll decompose faster and more efficiently in facilities specifically designed for that purpose. But don’t worry - we’ve got you covered with our agood loop™ take-back program, so your case is composted or recycled the right way.

Charcoal Black Plant-Based Phone Case
Aikiah Plant-Based Phone Case
Plant-Based Mobile Case Vist Blue

3. How long do plant-based phone cases last?

Just because they’re eco-friendly doesn’t mean they’re short-lived. These cases are built to last as long as you need them. With materials like PLNTPRTCT™, you’ll get durability and protection without sacrificing sustainability. When you’re ready to upgrade, the case will be ready to return to the earth or go through our recycling process.

4. What’s the difference between recycling and composting the case?

Recycling means we can repurpose the materials from your case into something new - our PLNTPRTCT™ cases can be recycled up to seven times. Composting, on the other hand, breaks the case down into natural components that return to the earth. Both options help reduce waste, but recycling extends the life of the materials, while composting allows them to decompose completely.

5. Will switching to a plant-based case really make a difference?

Every small change counts. By choosing a plant-based phone case, you’re reducing your personal plastic footprint and supporting a circular economy. When you think about the millions of phone cases used every year, making a sustainable choice like this can really add up in helping reduce plastic waste over time.

agood plant-based phone cases

A tiny step towards conscious living

Your phone case might seem like a tiny thing in the grand scheme of sustainability, but it’s the little things that add up. Choosing a plant-based case is just the beginning. It’s about setting a standard, making sure that even the everyday items we use are aligned with a better, more responsible way of living. After all, every change we make, no matter how small, contributes to a world where sustainability is the norm, not the exception.

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