OtterBox goes green with new sustainable iPhone case, feels like leather but made of cactus

OtterBox just announced its latest Symmetry Series iPhone cases at CES 2024, which are made from a sustainable leather alternative. 

Designed to feel like leather, OtterBox's new Symmetry Series iPhone cases are actually made from nopal cactus – which is also known as prickly pear.

Production of the cactus-based biomaterial does not require irrigation (less water and land) and since only the mature leaves are harvested, the cactus is allowed to regrow and be harvested again in 6 to 8 months. This means the process of harvesting nopal cactus uses far fewer resources than traditional leather.

OtterBox claims the plant-based, soft-touch material offers a luxurious feel, but it's able to survive drops and withstand normal wear and tear, scuffs, and stains. In fact, it still has a 3x MIL-STD drop protection rating. However, it is not protective against water. 

Besides the Symmetry Series iPhone cases, the company is also using nopal cactus for its MagSafe wallet and watch bands. 

The OtterBox Symmetry Series Cactus Leather iPhone cases, wallet cases and watch bands will be coming soon to otterbox.com and select retailers and telcos, and will be priced at US$59.99 (~S$80).

Source: OtterBox

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.