Top sustainable phone accessories

From manufacturing processes to e-waste, tech is moving fast and taking its toll on the planet. That includes our beloved smartphones and all the accessories that go with them.

As a Certified B Corp, we want gadgets that do good as well as keep us connected.

So here’s our round-up of some of the most innovative sustainable phone accessories, including eco-friendly phone cases, charging cables and speakers.

Ready to get greener? Let’s get cracking.

Compostable phone cases

Instead of plastic, Pela’s Android and iPhone smartphone cases are made from flax shive and plant-based biopolymer. They’re also free of BPA, lead, cadmium and phthalates. Ethically manufactured, these eco-friendly phone cases turn back into water and organic biomass once you’ve finished with them. Clever, right?

More 100% compostable phone cases

• Partnered with Surfers Against Sewage, Wavecase offers military-grade drop-tested phone cases. Its eco-friendly products also come with carbon-neutral shipping.
• Natch’s phone case designs are aimed at women and printed in water-based ink, free from nasty chemicals. Their stock is also regularly updated to factor in the latest handsets.
• The UAG (Urban Armor Gear) has a biodegradable Outback collection, which also arrives in 100% recycled packaging.

Sustainable phone cases that make a statement

Want an eco-friendly phone case that looks as green as it is?

Try 15:21’s 100% natural cork collection. Cork is one of the most sustainable materials you can get your hands on. Harvested cork oak trees can absorb three to five times more carbon dioxide than non-harvested trees, which helps offset millions of tons of carbon a year. Cork is as tough as leather, and it’s water-resistant too.

Nearly two million skateboards end up in a landfill every year. Skate4Create saw an opportunity to do better. Their phone cases are made from recycled decks, and although they’re not biodegradable, you’ll be supporting a worthwhile cause.

Get your wake-up call from MMORE’s fragrant phone case. It’s made of organic coffee beans held together by recyclable polyurethane.

Launched at CES 2024, the Otterbox phone case is worth looking out for. It’s made from the prickly pear cactus, hailed as a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional leather.

Tips for buying an eco-friendly phone case

Depending on how you use your phone, make sure that your eco-friendly phone case is also:

• Wireless charging compatible and MagSafe, so you don’t need to remove the phone from its case.
• Made from raw materials like cork and bamboo to cut the carbon footprint. They can be broken down at home, but bioplastics require professional processing, which uses more energy.
• BPA and phthalates-free. These toxic materials are sometimes used as coatings on biodegradable products to make them last longer.
• Tough enough to take a few knocks or drops.
• Made in the UK to avoid the environmental impact of overseas shipping.

Other sustainable phone accessories

Many manufacturers are now playing their part to keep materials out of landfill so you can enjoy your tech with a clearer conscience.

Environmentally friendly charging cables

Made from recycled plastic, aluminium and nylon, eco-friendly charging cables are another planet-friendly investment. Agood Company’s multi charging cable comes with a lifetime warranty.

Or you can try Nimble’s Eco-Friendly PowerKnit USB-C to USB-C Cable. It’s available in three different lengths and is BPA and PVC-free.

Sustainable speakers

Named after reggae legend Bob Marley, House of Marley’s eco-friendly speakers are made of bamboo, recyclable aluminium, recycled plastic, and sustainable fabric, silicone, and cork.

The company also supports global reforestation and ocean preservation. Market leader JBL has also got in on the eco act, with a range of portable speakers that cut the use of virgin plastics and the company’s carbon footprint.

Eco earbuds and headphones

Majority’s True Bio Earbuds charge in 30 minutes for two hours of playback. They’re also made with 100% compostable plastic, making them 82% compostable overall.

For sustainable in-ear headphones, House of Marley are also making their mark on the market.

Or if you’re looking for refurbished Airpods, visit Reboxed and save on e-waste.

For music fans with more money in their pockets, there’s thinksound’s Wired Closed Back headphones made with harvested wood, bioplastic, vegan leather and minimalist packaging.

Sustainable phone grips

According to Popsockets, ‘the future is plant-based’. To prove the point, its colourful PlantCore phone grips are made with cornstarch, canola oil, and castor beans. It’s also partnered up with the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) to help families put food on the table.

The Pela Grip is another option to keep your phone safely on hand. It’s compostable and plant-based too.

Eco-conscious cross-body phone bags

With Prada showing off its cross-body phone bags, looking after your phone is now more than just practical.

If you’re a follower of fashion, with an eye on your carbon footprint, US brand Cuyana is certified by the Leather Working Group, the world’s leading environmental certification for the leather industry. It’s not cheap though.

For a budget and eco-friendly alternative, look for phone socks, pouches or bags like those from The Cork Company UK.

Recycle your old phone

Do your bit for sustainability and get rid of your old phone with giffgaff recycle. Sell your old phone to us and we’ll refurbish it for someone else or recycle it safely and use what we can to repair other phones.