Did you know that over one billion phone cases are sold every year? That is a lot of plastic that will end up in our landfills. So when I heard about the concept of a compostable phone case, I was intrigued. I wondered… how durable are they? What are they made from? Are they worth the price? I’m here to provide some answers and give you my honest overall review of the Pela compostable phone cases.
Overview
Pela is the world’s first compostable phone case! When you are done with your case, you can compost it in a backyard or industrial composter. Love it!
How is the selection for phone type and case style/colour?
Quite good for both! They have a variety of phone case sizes for iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy. And a limited selection for Huawei and OnePlus. For styles and colours, they have some of the best designs, in my opinion (see mine pictured above). I definitely recommend you check them out for yourself.
What material are they made from?
The Pela cases are made from compostable plastic (bio-plastic).
Texture-wise, they are bendable, smooth, but still grippy. They have some texture to them from flax shive (looks like very fine wood chips, in my opinion) mixed into the bio-plastic. This material makes the cases easy to wipe down and clean.
Are they really compostable?
Yes they are! They are made out of bio-plastic and can last for years and years of use. However, once you no longer have a use for the case (like when you replace your phone), it can 100% be composted in a backyard or industrial compost. Here is the definition Pela provides for compostable plastic:
Compostable refers to a material capable of breaking down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass at the same rate as cellulose. Compostable plastic must also disintegrate and become indistinguishable in the compost and CANNOT leave any toxic material behind.
However, Pela makes an important note that the bio-plastic will not break down properly (or at all) if it is thrown in the landfill. This is because these special plastics need air, moisture and sunlight to break down properly. Landfills often do not provide these. Therefore, if you purchase a Pela case or any other compostable plastic, it is up to you to make sure it ends up in the compost.
Are the Pela compostable phone cases worth it?
I have three Pela cases that I interchange. For my first two cases, that have both held up very well over the past 1+ years that I have had them. No issues at all! My third is newer and is still in perfect condition.
I definitely encourage you to catch or wait for a sale at Pela. They have them frequently — this is how I purchased my first two (with a BOGO sale). At nearly $70 CAD full price for one phone case, I would have a hard time justifying the full price. There is currently a bundle sale on in which you can receive a free item (as of June 4, 2024 – will try to update if it changes) and other sales happening from time to time.
And I also love that they have a 100% Happiness Guarantee. This means they will send you a brand new replacement case within a year of your order if it is breaking down, warps or cracks.
Final thoughts and how to purchase
Overall, I think that Pela is a great company to support. They have strong values and a mission for a waste free future. I also just love the idea of a compostable phone case, as that was always nearly an impossible product to purchase plastic-free. And I am a big fan of the case designs!
If you’d like to upgrade your phone case to a Pela or gift one (a great gift for all earth lovers with phones), you can purchase through the Pela website here. I definitely recommend taking advantage of their sales.
Thanks for checking out my review of the Pela compostable phone cases. Let me know your thoughts about Pela and their compostable phone cases down below! I love to hear what you think. And check some of my other product reviews, such as for the liquid-less laundry detergent brands TruEarth and Earth Breeze.
