About Pela
Pela wants our world to be completely waste-free in the future. The brand’s founder, Jeremy Lang, witnessed first-hand the devastation plastic is causing in our oceans during a family holiday in 2010.
After all of Lang’s tinkering, Pela’s signature material came to market with the launch of the brand in Saskatoon in 2011.
Plant-based Flaxstic™ is used to make Pela’s eco-friendly phone cases and accessories and is a combination of flax straw waste, plant-based biopolymers and recycled materials. The flax-infused biopolymers provide added texture and impact resistance, helping to protect your phone and the environment.
Pela donates 5% of its total sales to ocean conservation and has already avoided more than 313,528.6 pounds of plastic.
Pela’s ambitious goal is to prevent the production of 1 billion pounds of plastic. They have teamed up with the Save the Waves Coalition, Surfrider Foundation and Oceana to save our oceans and, in turn, our planet.
The Pela Case can withstand most drops and falls and is less slippery than most plastic cases thanks to its textured surface. They are shock-absorbent, so according to Pela, your mobile phone will bounce back if you drop it.
There’s one small catch: Pela hasn’t done any official drop tests to confirm this, but there are tonnes of reviews confirming how well the case protects your phone from the average drop.
The Pela Case is the world’s first 100% biodegradable phone case, and there are matching accessories to their main product. In my Pela Case review, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the company and its products so you can decide for yourself if they’re worth all the hype.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our goal is to help you make better, more informed purchasing decisions.
Our team spends many hours on research, consultations with medical experts, expert assessments, customer feedback and product analyses to provide you with the information you need.
Pros and Cons
I wanted to find out for myself whether the brand really delivers what it promises. If you don’t feel like reading the full review of Pela Case, you can find a helpful summary here:
Benefits
- Eco-friendliness: One of the main advantages of the Pela Case is its eco-friendliness. It is made from sustainable materials and is compostable, which means it has less impact on the environment than traditional plastic mobile phone cases.
- Biodegradability: Pela cases are designed to break down over time during composting, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill. This feature is in line with the principles of the circular economy and can contribute to a more sustainable future.
- Durability: Although Pela cases are compostable, they are durable and provide adequate protection for your mobile phone. They can withstand daily wear and tear and offer a reasonable level of impact resistance.
- Diverse designs: Pela offers a range of designs and colours for its cases, allowing users to personalise their phone while making an environmentally conscious choice.
Disadvantages
- Limited protection: Whilst Pela cases offer adequate protection for everyday use, they are not as shock absorbent as some robust, non-compostable cases.
- Price: Pela cases are generally more expensive than conventional plastic cases. The use of sustainable and compostable materials as well as the production process contribute to this higher price.
- Limited availability: Pela cases may not be as widely available as traditional mobile phone cases. Depending on your location, you may have limited opportunities to purchase or try these cases in person.
- Maintenance: Pela cases can be more prone to stains and discolouration compared to plastic cases. The compostable materials they are made from may require additional care to keep them clean and attractive.
Features
Pela mobile phone cases are known for their unique features and eco-friendly design. Here are some of the key features of Pela mobile phone cases:
- Compostable material: Pela mobile phone cases are made from the company’s proprietary material Flaxstic®, a combination of plant-based biopolymers, flax straw waste and recycled materials. This material allows the cases to completely decompose in compost in less than six months, making them the first fully compostable mobile phone cases in the world.
- Environmental sustainability: Pela mobile phone cases are designed to reduce plastic pollution. With over 1 billion plastic mobile phone cases sold each year, Pela offers an eco-friendly alternative by using sustainable and renewable materials for production.
- Soft touch and matt finish: The Flaxstic® material used in Pela’s mobile phone cases is soft and velvety to the touch. The cases also have a matt finish, which gives them an elegant and stylish look.
- Durability and protection: Although the Pela mobile phone cases are compostable, they offer adequate protection for your mobile phone. Customers appreciate the durability and grip of the cases, which are also easy to clean.
- Large selection of phone models: Pela offers mobile phone cases for several popular models including iPhone, Samsung, Google and to a limited extent Huawei devices. They offer different sizes and models to accommodate a wide range of smartphones.
- Positive customer reviews: Pela mobile phone cases are highly praised by customers. They have received thousands of positive reviews and high ratings for their design, eco-friendliness, softness, durability and overall look and feel.
- Happiness Guarantee: Pela offers a satisfaction guarantee that allows for returns and exchanges. The company is committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and stands behind the quality of its products.
Materials
Pela phone cases are made from a unique material called Flaxstic®, a combination of compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw. Flax straw is a by-product of linseed production and therefore an environmentally friendly resource. Below you will find some important information about the materials used in the Pela mobile phone cases:
- Compostable bioplastic elastomer: The bioplastic elastomer used in the Pela cases is compostable, which means it can be broken down naturally in composting facilities. This material is designed to protect your phone from drops and scratches, similar to traditional plastic cases.
- Flax straw: Pela uses flax straw in its material composition. Flax straw is a sustainable by-product of the linseed harvest and therefore an environmentally friendly resource.
- Plant-based and renewable: Pela mobile phone cases are predominantly made from plant-based materials. By using compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw, Pela aims to offer an alternative to conventional plastic mobile phone cases that contribute to environmental pollution.
- Soft and durable: The Flaxstic® material used to make Pela phone cases is soft to the touch and has a matte finish that provides a comfortable grip and protects the phone. Although the cases are compostable, they are durable and provide adequate protection for the phone.
Pela Bestsellers
Before we get into Pela Cases, you should know that the selection is designed for iPhone, Samsung, Google and a limited number of Huawei devices. You’ll find all the models and sizes they accommodate later in this Pela Case review.
Pela mobile phone cases
Pela offers transparent cases with a coloured edge that have a sturdy back and shock-absorbing edges. This model is for anyone who wants to protect their mobile phone without it being too thick. Your mobile phone is protected from bumps and scratches by a smooth and non-slip environment.
Pela’s eco-friendly clear sleeves cost $45, or $74 if you want to add a liquid screen protector. You can choose between 9 colours: Black, Cantaloupe, Cherry, Teal, Lavender, Mint, Sky Blue, Grey and Yellow.
If you want it even more colourful, you can opt for the eco-friendly phone case in black, green, lavender, mint, rose quartz, grey or white. The full back is slightly cheaper than the clear version at $40, or $69 with the liquid screen protector. This model offers a stronger grip, which you can see from the lighter coloured, textured parts:
Pela Limited Edition mobile phone cases
Many cool mobile phone cases from Pela are on offer for a limited time. There is an animal collection with honeybees, koalas, whales, turtles and shark skin.
The Bee Edition Case is their best seller and a portion of sales are donated to saving honeybees! That alone makes it a real eye-catcher (excuse the pun). This case is available in honey and black for $50 or $79 with a protective film.
Who Is Pela For?
Pela phone cases are designed for people who value environmental sustainability and are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic phone cases. Here is a comprehensive answer based on the search results provided:
Pela phone cases are for:
- Environmentally conscious consumers: Pela phone cases are specifically designed to reduce the environmental impact of the phone industry’s use of cheap and polluting plastics. They offer an alternative for people who are concerned about plastic waste and want to make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives.
- People looking for compostable mobile phone cases: Pela mobile phone cases are the world’s first fully compostable mobile phone cases. They are made from compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax straw. These cases can naturally degrade in compostable environments in less than six months. They are therefore suitable for anyone who wants to reduce waste and minimise their ecological footprint.
- iPhone and Android users: Pela offers mobile phone cases for iPhone and Android devices. The range includes models for different iPhone generations, such as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12. Pela phone cases are designed to provide high-quality protection for your phone while emphasising your personal style.
- People looking for style options: Pela offers a variety of colours, patterns and illustrations in its phone case collection. This allows users to choose a case that suits their personal preference and style while promoting sustainability.
Pela Case Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
In this test of Pela Case, I wanted to see whether the brand actually delivers what it promises. On the Pela website, each product has almost perfect ratings (4 or 5/5 stars) as of May 2023.
Many customers chose Pela because of its environmental friendliness. They appreciated the softness, durability and grip of the bags and were delighted that they were easy to clean. Customers have left over 26,000 reviews on the website, which is definitely encouraging.
On Trust Pilot, the brand has a 3.4/5 star rating based on almost 2,000 reviews. Here’s what one customer had to say about them:
“It’s obviously rare to be impressed enough to recommend a cell phone case company! Pela makes beautiful cases that you don’t have to feel bad about, and the most impressive thing for me was the texture – it makes it so much easier to hold the phone without it slipping, and it never feels sweaty or sticky.”
I dug deeper and looked around the internet. The Pela Case Amazon reviews were mixed, and those who rated the cases poorly expressed suspicion that they had received a counterfeit version (make sure you check the brand/seller!).
With a real product, you’re more likely to see a review that looks like this: “I love these eco-friendly phone cases! I buy them every time I get a new phone now!”
Hallie Bradley from The Soul Of Seoul also gave Pela’s products a very positive review. Here is an excerpt of her thoughts on the Limited Edition Phone Case:
“I purchased the Limited Edition Bee Case, created in collaboration with artist Sarah Mitchell for $49.95. The honey gold color is very appealing, and I’ve gotten so many compliments on it, as well as the engraved honeycomb and bee design on the back.”
All in all, it looks like there are a few criticisms about the durability of the brand’s products, as they are not meant to last forever and take up space in the ocean or landfill. If you can look past that, you’ll be in good company with the thousands of positive reviews for Pela.
Is Pela Worth It?
What should be mentioned in this Pela Case review is that it almost never happens that a brand has perfect reviews all over the web.
The vast majority of reviews are positive, and you’re not taking much of a risk when you order a case or accessory, and here’s why:
Pela allows returns and exchanges under its happiness guarantee (more on that in the FAQ section of this Pela Case Review). The main benefit of Pela is that its customers are contributing to the health of our planet. So if that’s important to you (and it should be), you should definitely give this brand a try.
Pela Case Promotions & Discounts
You won’t find a Pela Case discount code at the moment, but they do have an ongoing BOGO offer:
BOGO – Buy 1 case, get 1 case free
Pela is offering a promotion: Buy 1 bag, get another bag free. They encourage their customers to wash their bags as phones harbor a lot of germs, bacteria, etc. Pela gives you a second case for free, so you can always have a clean case for your phone.
Combination of case and screen protector
According to Pela’s website, 87% of customers choose this option to save extra money. If you opt for this combination, you will pay $32 less than if you buy the products separately.
Where To Buy Pela
Pela bags and accessories can be purchased through the following channels:
- Their online store: pelacase.com and REI Co-Op online
- Select Vodaphone, BestBuy, Target, retail stores in Canada
Alternatives
Phones are expensive, so it’s only logical that you want to protect your phone. Here are a few more options to consider:
- Nimble: Nimble offers a line of sustainable phone cases that are made from recycled plastic bottles, plant-based materials and other eco-friendly fabrics. Their products are designed to be durable and protective while minimizing their impact on the environment.
- Incipio Organicore: Incipio Organicore makes cell phone cases from plant-based materials and recycled plastics. The cases offer impact resistance and protection while being biodegradable and compostable.
- Caseology Parallax: Caseology offers a range of phone cases, some of which are made from eco-friendly materials. The Parallax range offers cases with a double layer design for added protection, and there are also options with biodegradable elements.
- PELAOS: PELAOS is another brand that specializes in eco-friendly phone cases. Their cases are made from plant-based materials and are fully biodegradable and compostable.
- Otterbox Elevation Series: Otterbox, known for its robust and protective phone cases, has introduced the Elevation Series, which includes cases made from sustainable and recycled materials. These cases offer excellent protection while reducing the environmental impact.
FAQ
Does the biodegradable case decompose with use?
The answer is no! You can also wet your Pela case and washing is recommended. Pela products will only decompose if they are stored in compostable material.
What happens if your phone breaks in a Pela case?
During my research for this Pela Case review, I found out that the company does not guarantee that your phone will not break. If your phone does break, the company is not liable for the damage.
On the other hand, the company does offer a screen protection guarantee for Pela Cases purchased after April 1, 2018, in case your screen breaks while using a Pela Case. To qualify for this, you must:
If these conditions are met, Pela will reimburse you up to $200 for your screen repair. Note that Pela will only repair 1 screen per device per customer and the screen protection warranty only covers the front screen of the phone.
Pela case sizes/models
Pela protective cases are suitable for the following Apple, Samsung, Google and Huawei devices:
- iPhone SE, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5S
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy A50, Samsung Galaxy S10, Samsung Galaxy S10+, Samsung Galaxy S10e, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Samsung Galaxy S9, Samsung S9 Plus, Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Samsung S8
- Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3XL, Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2XL
- Huawei P30 Pro, Huawei P30, Huawei P20 Lite
Pela suitcase shipping policy
Pela ships the cases with as little packaging as possible, and each case comes in a small brown envelope with a personalized note card (pretty cute). There are two standard shipping options available worldwide:
- Free shipping: most sustainable and with the lowest carbon footprint (exception: orders under $25 are charged at a flat rate)
- Faster shipping: with tracking and shorter shipping time
Both shipping methods include a 24-48 day turnaround time, and tracking depends on the country. Customs and duties may apply to orders outside the USA.
Countries excluded from free shipping: India, China, Colombia, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Peru, Kazakhstan, Aland Islands, Faroe Islands, Guadeloupe, North Macedonia Vatican City.
Pela suitcase return policy
Pela has a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with your Pela Case or it arrives with defects, contact hello@pelacase.com within 90 days of purchase and you will receive a full refund. Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping.
How to contact Pela
If you have questions that go beyond this Pela Case Review, you can speak with Pela team members:
- Pela Head Office: 604-460 Doyle Avenue Kelowna, British Columbia V1Y 0C2 Canada
- Send an e-mail to hello@pelacase.com
