OtterBox · Jewelry Cases & Organizers
Otterbox 2000 Series Waterproof Protective Case Black Hard Shell W/Lanyard | Color: Black | Size: Os
Waterproof cases often use PFAS-based treatments; OtterBox silent on specifics.
OtterBox does not disclose PFAS status for this case. Hard polymer waterproof protective cases typically rely on water-repellent coating coatings that may contain PFAS, though composition remains unconfirmed here.
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Material
Hard polymer shell with waterproof treatment, unspecified coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The OtterBox 2000 Series is a rigid polymer shell (likely polycarbonate or similar thermoplastic) with an unspecified waterproof coating applied to seal seams and surfaces. Hard protective cases require water-resistant treatments, which are commonly fluorochemical-based (PFAS) to achieve durable water and oil repellency; OtterBox does not publicly disclose whether this model uses such treatments. The coating integrity directly affects both waterproof function and potential leaching risk over time.
The brand's record and disclosure
OtterBox is a major protective gear manufacturer with no public PFAS elimination commitments or material transparency on waterproofing additives as of available records. The company has not issued recalls for coating-related chemical leaching in protective cases. OtterBox provides durability warranties but does not disclose ingredient composition or third-party testing of coatings for chemical migration.
How it compares in its category
Hard protective cases universally rely on hydrophobic coatings to achieve waterproofing; fluorochemical-based treatments are industry standard and difficult to avoid in this product class. Non-fluorinated alternatives exist but are less common and may sacrifice durability. OtterBox's lack of transparency puts it in the middle of the industry, neither leading on disclosure nor notably lagging.
If you buy it
Inspect the case regularly for peeling, cracking, or cloudiness in the coating, which signals degradation and potential increased leaching during use. Avoid prolonged storage in direct sunlight or heat, as UV and temperature can accelerate coating breakdown. Do not expose the interior to prolonged contact with the case coating if it shows visible wear; consider replacement if waterproof seal is compromised. Wash hands after extended handling if the coating appears degraded.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Waterproofing coating composition and leaching
OtterBox does not disclose whether the waterproof treatment uses fluorochemicals (PFAS) or alternatives. Coating degradation over years of use may increase migration of coating additives into contact with skin or contents; this risk is heightened if the case is subjected to heat, UV, or physical damage.
Polymer off-gassing and volatile organics
Polycarbonate and similar rigid polymers used in protective cases are stable and not typically associated with significant VOC release under normal use. No specific off-gassing concerns have been documented for OtterBox hard cases in public records.
Heavy metals in pigments or colorants
The black color in this model is achieved through carbon black or similar colorants standard in polymer cases. No recalls or reports of heavy metal contamination in OtterBox protective cases have been identified.
Microplastics from coating wear
As the waterproof coating degrades over extended use or with physical damage, small particles may flake or shed. If the case is used in water environments (swimming, water sports), shed coating particles enter the environment; ingestion risk is negligible but environmental fate of fluorochemical-laden particles is unclear.
Lanyard material and attachment durability
The included lanyard material composition is not specified by OtterBox. No toxicity concerns are established for typical nylon or polyester lanyards; inspect attachment points for weakness or fraying.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.