Tech21 · Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Tech21 EvoArmor MagSafe Compatible Case for iPhone 16 Pro
Unknown coating composition. No PFAS disclosure or testing data available.
Tech21 does not disclose PFAS status or coating materials for this case. Phone cases often use TPU or silicone, which may contain PFAS but are not inherently high-risk. No public lab testing found.
The safe swap
Tech21
Tech21 EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone blend, unspecified coatings
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Unknown / proprietary coating
Proprietary coating with no disclosed chemistry.
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
Tech21 EvoArmor uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a TPU-silicone blend as the base material. TPU is a flexible synthetic polymer chosen for drop protection and grip. The coating composition is not disclosed by Tech21, which is typical for the industry but leaves uncertainty about additives, colorants, and whether PFAS water-repellent agents are present. Phone cases have minimal oral contact and brief skin exposure, so material leaching risk is lower than for food-contact items.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is a UK-based accessory manufacturer owned by Otter Products (parent of OtterBox). The brand does not publicly disclose material sourcing, chemical testing, or PFAS avoidance policies. No product-specific safety recalls or chemical contamination incidents are on record for Tech21 cases. The company offers no third-party certifications (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GreenGuard) for this product line.
How it compares in its category
Protective phone cases are a low-hazard category because exposure is incidental and external. TPU cases generally outperform hard polycarbonate alternatives in terms of reduced brittleness and chemical leaching. Tech21's EvoArmor sits in the mid-market protection tier; it is not marketed as eco-certified or chemical-transparent, which is consistent with most mainstream phone case brands. Silicone-based alternatives (e.g., Apple's official cases) offer similar risk profiles with equally opaque sourcing.
If you buy it
Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimize TPU degradation and any potential leaching of plasticizers over years of storage. Wash occasionally with mild soap and water to remove dust and oils; avoid harsh solvents or high heat (e.g., dishwasher). If the case becomes sticky or discolored, replacement is advisable as degradation may accelerate. The case is not intended for food storage or prolonged contact with lips or mucous membranes.
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.”
Plasticizer leaching (phthalates, adipates)
TPU formulations sometimes contain phthalate or other plasticizers to maintain flexibility. Tech21 does not disclose the specific TPU grade or additives. Risk is low for incidental skin contact but higher if case material is chewed or mouthed over time.
Unidentified coating additives and colorants
The case surface coating is not specified by Tech21. Coatings may contain heavy metal pigments (lead, cadmium) or azo dyes, particularly if the case is brightly colored. No testing data is publicly available to confirm safety.
Microplastic shedding during use
TPU and silicone cases can shed microscopic particles with prolonged contact or abrasion. No published data exists documenting significant microplastic release from Tech21 EvoArmor specifically; this is a general material-class consideration.
VOC off-gassing in new products
New TPU and elastomer cases may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from residual solvents or unreacted monomers. This typically dissipates within days to weeks of unpackaging and air exposure.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Tech21
EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Polycarbonate phone case.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
TechWoven MagSafe Case for iPhone 17 Pro
Woven fabric composite with elastomer MagSafe attachment
Limited PFAS risk from material choice, but no brand disclosure
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe
Woven textile blend with MagSafe metal ring
Lower concern; typical smartphone case materials lack PFAS triggers.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartphone & tech cases grades
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.