The manufacturer states that Pela cases are made of a compostable plastic that requires less energy, water, and waste to produce than other comparable products. The company offers several versions of their eco-friendly case including clear and soft plastic versions that have a smooth, rubbery feel. The soft plastic case is very snug fitting and comfortable to hold. The designs are trendy and either inscribed or printed. The example below is plain. Their products are made in China and Canada.
Although we are curious about how this item might test, we do not generally have a concern about lead in new phone cases. One seeking a non-toxic phone case, we might be inclined to avoid products made with PVC or coated with anti-microbial finishes, if possible. Pela advises sanitizing cases by gently washing them with soapy water.
How do you think this case performed under XRF?
Reading on the Plastic:
| Element of Interest | Parts per million (ppm) | Error Range |
|---|---|---|
| None Detected | ||
| Other Elements | ||
| Chromium (Cr) | 2,644 | +/- 45 |
| Nickel (Ni)* | 7 | +/- 4 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 7,609 | +/- 127 |
| Iron (Fe) | 20 | +/- 8 |
The sample was tested in consumer goods TestAll mode using a Niton XL3t 700S for at least 30 seconds. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Test Summary:
No elements of concern were detected.
We think this is a great product by a reputable company.
We use Pela cases on our phones. We have seen other soft plastic cases with a Prop 65 warning regarding phthalates but have not found such warnings on Pela products.
Their cases offer effective protective when the phone is dropped, but there is no screen cover. Pela does sell a liquid screen protector but we have not used it or evaluated the ingredients.
We recommend similar products although you might find yourself collecting Pela because their designs are trendy and frequently updated.
Phone Cases We Recommend:
Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. By shopping for any item on Amazon starting with our links, you help support our business and testing.
Pela’s website is here. The specific style of case tested above appears is available for some phone models but not others, so you’ll need to filter products by phone type.
Biodegradable Eco Phone Case, Plastic Free Non Silicone Compostable iPhone 11
Why we like it: This phone by Loam & Lore is compostable and made of a biopolymer incorporating wheat straw. Neat!
Peel The Pear Biodegradable Case
Why we like it: This is one of many designs of printed biodegradable phone cases offered by Peel the Pear.
Wood iPhone Case | American Walnut Wooden | Eco Friendly, Shockproof, Zero Waste, by Loam & Lore
Why we like it: This product is another biodegradable example by Loam & Lore made from solid varnished walnut and a biopolymer incorporating wheat straw.
Disclaimer: These items have not always been personally tested by us but are likely to be lead free or low lead and/or cadmium based on our research into the materials, discussions with manufacturers, and/or testing on similar products. We recommend items we would use ourselves.
We provide our XRF testing for general educational or informational purposes only to help consumers identify low lead and lead-free products. We hereby disclaim any and all warranties, expressed or implied, and assume no duty or responsibility with respect to how any person or entity chooses to use the information on this website.