Protective Case for iPhone 4 that Combines Style and Sustainability

People everywhere are using smartphones to talk, text, check email, surf the Web and play games. The ever-expanding capabilities of these devices are ultra-convenient for consumers, but there is a downside: more opportunity for damage. Innovez™ has developed a protective slider case for the iPhone® 4 that combines style and sustainability.

To find the right material for the case to withstand daily use and abuse, Innovez turned to Makrolon® polycarbonate from Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “Makrolon 2605 polycarbonate plastic is a great choice for the iPhone 4 Glider Case,” according to Bruce Fine, market segment leader – medical and consumer products, NAFTA, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “This material will hold up well to the bumps and scrapes that the case will encounter in daily use.”

Makrolon 2605 resin offers a good balance of engineering properties, including outstanding impact strength and dimensional stability, and it maintains its properties over a wide temperature range. This grade of plastic has an internal mold release additive that allows it to be easily released from the mold for greater processing efficiency. In addition to consumer products and electronics, this versatile, recyclable plastic is also well-suited to applications in a number of other industries, including automotive, lighting, optical devices, and building and construction.

Another factor in Innovez’s selection of Bayer MaterialScience LLC was its Fantasia® Color and Special Effects Technologies. The vibrant color palette made possible through Fantasia Color and Special Effects Technologies offered Innovez the “i-catching” hues it desired for the sleek and stylish iPhone 4 case.

“The Makrolon resin has performed better than we could have ever expected,” said Roimon Hepburn, founder and creative director, studio Innovez. He continued, “In addition, the brilliant and vivid color selection that Bayer MaterialScience offers allows our designers at studio Innovez to merge unique creativity with radiant colors that reflect our customers’ style and personality.”

During the injection molding process, Makrolon is combined with Ecopure®. According to Innovez, Ecopure is an additive for plastics that promotes biodegradation. The molded part is a durable, high-impact shell, which measures 4.67-in. x 2.48-in. x 0.55-in. The iPhone 4 glider case, ergonomically designed to fit consumers’ hands, also features recycled aluminum logos, reinforcing Innovez’s commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Part of Innovez’s ecovez™ collection, the glider case for the iPhone 4 fits iPhone 4 models, such as those from providers like AT&T and Verizon, and is available in the United States and internationally. Consumers can purchase the case in one of six colors: green, orange, black, clear, pink or blue. These bold, transparent colors with a high-gloss finish allow consumers to express their personal style and protect their phones, while reducing their environmental footprint.

Innovez is a Chicago-based company that creates high quality, innovative products that are unique, expressive, and purposeful. Their mission is to protect, sustain, and inspire through design. This notion is embodied by the designs of their products and drives them to the pursuit of perfection. Innovez’ products are inspired by nature and realized through the use of innovative sustainable technologies, materials and solutions. Innovez’ goal is to create long lasting durable products while at the same time educating the community about the importance of an eco-friendly lifestyle through all aspects of their designs. They strive to create products that make a positive impact on people and, in turn, the planet.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,700 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.