At Native Union, we design for life. That means evolving alongside advancements in technology, materials and the way we live our lives. That means staying as dynamic as the world around us to deliver uncompromising quality and performance for life on the move. For years, we’ve prioritized exploring alternatives to leather, seeking planet-friendly options that match – or even surpass – genuine leather’s durable properties, all with a fraction of its environmental impact.
Now, driven by our commitment to quality, durability, and sustainability, we’ve reimagined the leather-like wrapping of our iPhone cases with a new animal-free alternative made with 40% recycled content. It’s the perfect balance of premium craftsmanship and conscious innovation: sleek, long-lasting protection for your iPhone that gives new life to plastic waste and post-consumer materials.
NATIVE UNION | LAB TESTS
At Native Union, we don’t compromise on quality or durability. That’s why we subjected a range of material options to extensive lab testing, to ensure our new eco-conscious leather meets the highest standards and checks all our boxes before earning it’s place in your everyday carry.
✓ Drop test
✓ Scratch hardness test
✓ Storage test
✓ Chemical resistance test
✓ Color fastness UV test
✓ Artificial perspiration test
✓ High/low temperature test
✓ Humidity test
✓ NaOH hydrolysis resistance test
HIGH ENDURANCE | LAB TESTS
To ensure our new animal-free leather on our Active Case stands the test of time, we put it through an accelerated aging test – 36 hours of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) hydrolysis resistance testing, which stimulates three years of real-world wear.
The test:
- Submerged in a high-alkaline NaOH solution for 36 hours
- Air-dried naturally to replicate real-world conditions
- Rested for 12 hours before evaluation
The result:
- No surface cracking – retained smoothness and integrity
- No powder or peeling – stayed intact, even under stress
- No corrosion – proves long-term durability
There’s science behind the strength of our cases. Because sustainability shouldn’t mean sacrificing longevity.
ANTI-STAIN | LAB TESTS
Life can get messy, but your iPhone case shouldn’t. We subjected our new eco-leather to a real-world stain challenge, testing against everyday spills and splatters to ensure it stays pristine.
The test:
- Applied isopropyl alcohol, coffee, Coca-Cola, olive oil, sunscreen, Vaseline, Dijon mustard, and hand soap, simulating spills, skincare, and snack-time accidents.
The result:
- No lingering traces wipes clean effortlessly
- Zero discoloration – color stays true
- No cracks, peeling, or damage – holds up under pressure
The aim is not just to meet the status quo – it’s to redefine it. So we didn’t only examine our own materials, but we also rigorously benchmarked our eco-leather against leading competitors’ materials. We subjected them to the same demanding tests we ran on our own case to ensure we exceeded industry standards. You invest a lot in your modern essentials, so you deserve the best protective solutions that won’t make you worry – not just different, but demonstrably superior. That’s the Native Union standard.
At Native Union, we believe true sustainability means creating products that last. This new animal-free leather alternative for our Active Case fits the bill – engineered to be thinner, lighter, and more resistant to wear. Through extensive material research, testing, and competitive benchmarking, we developed an advanced layered construction that delivers:
✔ 38% stronger peel resistance (3.8kg of tension without peeling vs. industry average 2.1-2.5kg)
✔ Reinforced durability without added bulk
✔Superior wear resistance compared to leading alternatives
The result? Premium protection that stands up to your life – proving eco-conscious materials can (and should) outlast traditional options.
"High-Endurance" - A Durable, Recycled & Animal-Free Leather Alternative
Every test, every innovation, every iteration is all done with one purpose: to deliver the best protection that keeps up with your life.
With our latest “High Endurance” material, you get:
✓ Premium durability backed by testing
✓ Sustainable materials that outperform genuine leather
✓ Timeless design that stays looking new
We’re always researching and constantly improving. Thanks for trusting us to guard your everyday essentials, and for your continued support as we strive to provide the best products to enhance your life.
