Fort Collins-Based OtterBox Receives Recognition for Sustainable Phone Case Design
OtterBox, headquartered in Fort Collins, has been named a CES Innovation Awards 2026 Honoree for its Symmetry Series Cactus Leather Embroidery collection, which combines plant-based materials with traditional embroidery techniques to create protective smartphone cases.
The Consumer Technology Association, which produces CES, selected the collection from more than 3,600 submissions. The awards program recognizes products based on design, functionality and innovation criteria. CES 2026 takes place January 6-9 in Las Vegas.
The Symmetry Series Cactus Leather Embroidery represents the first phone case line from OtterBox that pairs sustainably harvested organic nopal cactus with stain-resistant embroidery threads designed to withstand daily use. The company conducted durability testing to verify the embroidery resists snagging and abrasion during typical handling.
Cactus-Based Material Offers Environmental Alternative
The cases use leather substitute derived from nopal cactus, which grows with minimal water and without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The cactus is harvested using organic certification standards, reducing the environmental footprint compared to traditional leather production.
OtterBox sources the cactus material from regions where the plant grows naturally, minimizing additional resource demands. The tanning and processing methods are designed to reduce water usage and chemical waste compared to conventional leather processing.
Each case provides three times the drop protection of military standard MIL-STD-810G 516.6, with raised edges around screens and cameras to prevent impact damage. The ultra-slim profile includes built-in magnets compatible with MagSafe accessories.
Fort Collins Company Maintains Market Leadership
OtterBox ranks as the most trusted smartphone case brand in the United States, according to industry market research. The company operates from Fort Collins, where it was founded in 1998 by Curt Richardson in a garage before expanding to a global operation.
The company's facility spans over 400,000 square feet in Northern Colorado, where it develops and distributes phone cases, coolers, power banks and other protective accessories.
"Being honored by the CES Innovation Awards validates our vision to lead in both technology and design," said Trey Northrup, CEO at OtterBox. "The Symmetry Series Cactus Leather Embroidery collection is a perfect example of how we're redefining smartphone protection through elevated aesthetics and uncompromising performance."
Product Line Available for Recent iPhone Models
The Symmetry Series Cactus Leather Embroidery collection includes five designs compatible with multiple recent iPhone models. Cases are available at OtterBox.com with pricing information listed on the company website.
OtterBox acquired LifeProof, a San Diego-based case manufacturer, in 2013 and has continued expanding its product lines beyond smartphone protection to include outdoor gear and gaming accessories.