White Rabbit Distribution Ltd.

White Rabbit Distribution are the creators of PhoneHug, a silicone rubber phone holder that helps to protect phones from loss, accidental damage and theft.
In approaching the SMI Hub following a joint webinar with the Business Growth Hub and Innovate UK Edge, the environmentally ambitious White Rabbit Distribution sought expert help on material suitability and sustainability for the design of a new rigid phone case. This new product would follow the principles of a circular economy by being fully recyclable or compostable.

The SMI Hub provided a review of potential sustainable materials candidates, focussing on several different plastics, ranging from bio-based to conventional to exciting emerging options. The SMI Hub provided an in-depth summary each of the materials technical properties and advised on whether these would be suitable for use, by evaluating the pros and cons of working with each material and by considering their likely end-of-life fate.
Following the SMI Hub’s resulting recommendations and investigation summary, White Rabbit were able to make a more informed choice, moving forward with confidence in their product’s material sustainability.

“We found the SMI Hub to be friendly, greatly knowledgeable and extremely supportive on our journey to find the most sustainable material for our rigid phone case.”

Sam Fairbrother | Director, White Rabbit Distribution Ltd.

Next steps

White Rabbit Distribution have already tested some of the materials recommended by the SMI Hub, producing a selection of 3D printed prototypes. Further testing of the materials is ongoing and the company remains in regular contact with the SMI Hub to update on their progress.