Tech21 · Waterproof Smartphone & Tech Cases
Tech21 EvoClear for Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Polycarbonate phone case. Lower concern but PFAS not publicly addressed.
Tech21 EvoClear uses polycarbonate and TPU, inherently lower PFAS risk materials for phone cases. Brand makes no PFAS disclosure; no third-party verification found.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
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 EvoClear combines polycarbonate (a hard, transparent plastic) with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a flexible elastomer, to create shock absorption without bulk. Polycarbonate is one of the most chemically stable plastics in consumer products and does not leach BPA or phthalates under normal phone-use conditions (room temperature, no direct food contact). TPU is similarly inert at typical use temperatures but can degrade over years of UV exposure, potentially becoming brittle rather than releasing toxic compounds.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tech21 is owned by Otter Products and is a recognized mobile accessories manufacturer with decades of market presence, but does not publicly disclose materials sourcing, manufacturing standards, or testing for chemical contaminants in its case lines. No recalls specifically linked to chemical leaching or toxin release from Tech21 cases have been documented in public safety databases. The brand has not made public commitments to PFAS elimination, leaving that aspect unaddressed.
How it compares in its category
Phone cases are among the lowest-risk consumer products because they do not contact food, water for consumption, or large areas of skin for extended periods. Tech21 cases are competitively positioned on durability and drop protection; alternatives using silicone, leather, or fabric may pose slightly lower chemical uncertainty but offer less technical protection. Most major case brands (OtterBox, Spigen, Apple) operate under similar material and disclosure practices.
If you buy it
Keep the case away from prolonged direct sunlight to slow UV degradation of the TPU layer. Do not expose to heat above 50°C (122°F); avoid leaving in cars in summer heat or near radiators. Replace the case if the TPU becomes visibly cracked, peeling, or brittle, as this may increase microscopic particle shedding, though risk of swallowing particles from a phone case is negligible. Rinse occasionally with water if dust accumulates in crevices; dry fully before use.
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.”
BPA and phthalate leaching
Polycarbonate can theoretically leach BPA under extreme heat (above 70°C) or with prolonged acidic contact, but phone cases do not experience these conditions. No documented cases of BPA release from rigid phone cases in normal use.
TPU degradation and microparticle shedding
TPU can become brittle and shed microscopic particles after 3-5 years of sunlight exposure or mechanical stress. Inhalation or ingestion risk is low given case use context, but chronic UV storage accelerates this.
Flame retardant additives
Phone cases are not required to meet flame retardant standards and typically do not contain brominated or chlorinated additives. Tech21 does not disclose flame retardant use; none is apparent from material specifications.
Heavy metals in colorants or coatings
The EvoClear is optically clear (no pigment layer), eliminating risk from dye-based heavy metal contamination common in colored plastics. Transparent polycarbonate formulations do not require metal-containing UV absorbers in most formulations.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
New polycarbonate and TPU items may release trace VOCs (odor) for days to weeks after unboxing. This is not a toxicological concern at typical household ventilation but may indicate incomplete curing during manufacturing.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.
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.