Pela
Pela is a Canadian sustainable consumer products company that designs and sells compostable phone cases and accessories made from its proprietary Flaxstic material (flax shive plus bioplastic), selling primarily direct-to-consumer to eco-conscious consumers across North America, the UK, and Europe, with over 2 million customers served.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersKelowna, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pela does
Pela (legal entity: Open Mind Developments Corporation) is a Canadian sustainable consumer products company headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, that designs, manufactures, and sells compostable phone cases and related accessories. Founded by Jeremy Lang after observing ocean plastic pollution during a 2008 family vacation in Hawaii, the company launched its first product in 2011 and is best known for the Pela Case — a phone case made from Flaxstic, a proprietary material combining flax shive (agricultural straw) with compostable bioplastic elastomer. The material is 45% biobased and certified to ASTM D6400-04 and EN 13432 standards for industrial and home composting, while the company holds B Corporation and Climate Neutral certifications and meets child-safety standards across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The company operates a direct-to-consumer e-commerce model through pelacase.com (multi-currency: USD, CAD, EUR, GBP) with U.S. fulfillment centers in Blaine, Washington and Salt Lake City, Utah, plus additional distribution through Amazon, retail partners, and a wholesale/become-a-retailer program. Over 80% of cases are manufactured in-house at the Kelowna Sustainability Studio (KSS), acquired in 2019, with the remainder produced by a long-standing China-based manufacturing partner. The product portfolio has expanded beyond phone cases into AirPod cases, watch bands (Pela Vine), Pela Vision sunglasses, the Canopy Easy Wipe screen protector, and a broad accessory line (straps, grips, card holders, MagSafe modules, totes, mini wallets, AirTag holders), with phone cases priced at $65–$75.
Pela serves primarily individual eco-conscious consumers in North America, the UK, and broader Europe, with additional wholesale and bulk-custom revenue from retail partners and limited enterprise custom orders. The company reports over 2 million customers globally, 50,000+ five-star reviews, and impact metrics including 100,049,717 plastic bags prevented and 1.5 million kg CO2e saved. A sister brand, Lomi, sells kitchen composting appliances. In March 2026, an entity called Pela Global Limited executed a US$5 million project development funding agreement with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support the restart of the Krstov Dol Antimony Mine in North Macedonia, with management signaling consideration of an IPO. The legal entity remains privately held under Open Mind Developments Corporation in Canada.
Pela firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pela
- Legal name
- Open Mind Developments Corporation
- Website
- https://pelacase.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Pela is a Canadian sustainable consumer products company that designs and sells compostable phone cases and accessories made from its proprietary Flaxstic material (flax shive plus bioplastic), selling primarily direct-to-consumer to eco-conscious consumers across North America, the UK, and Europe, with over 2 million customers served.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pela industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainable Consumer Electronics Accessories
- NAICS
- Electronics and Appliance Retailers (4492), Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Plastics Products (3080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mobile Device Accessories (Cases, Screen Protectors, Mounts) (CRACALAH)
Keywords
Where Pela is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kelowna
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Pela business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Direct E-commerce Sales: Primary revenue stream through pelacase.com selling phone cases, AirPod cases, accessories, and personalizable products directly to consumers. Includes buy-one-get-one-free promotions and seasonal sales.
- Retail and Wholesale: Sales through retail partners and wholesale program (become-a-retailer). Products also available on Amazon.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Phone Case Pricing |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Personalized Cases |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Pela product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pela designs, manufactures, and sells 100% compostable phone cases and consumer electronics accessories made from Flaxstic, a proprietary blend of compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax shive. The product portfolio spans phone cases for iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy, AirPod cases, watch bands, sunglasses, screen protectors, and various accessories, distributed primarily through direct-to-consumer e-commerce, with additional retail and wholesale channels.
Product overview
Pela is a sustainable consumer electronics accessories company offering a comprehensive ecosystem of compostable products headlined by the Pela Case — a 100% compostable phone case made from Flaxstic (flax shive and plant-based biopolymer). The product portfolio spans multiple device categories including phone cases for iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy; AirPod protective cases; Watch Bands; and Pela Vision Sunglasses. Accessories include screen protectors (Canopy Easy Wipe), phone straps, grips, card holders, charging cables, the MagSafe Module, tote bags, mini wallets, and AirTag holders. The company differentiates through thematic collections including the Artist Series (collaborations with 8+ independent artists), Ice Cream Collection, Horse Core, Island Illusions, Geology, Pollinators, and Sports Club Atelier collaboration. Personalization services allow custom text and image uploads. The Pela 360 take-back program enables circular economy by accepting returns of old cases for upcycling or proper recycling. Over 80% of cases are manufactured at Pela's Kelowna Sustainability Studio in Canada, with remaining production from partners in China.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Lomi: A Pela brand that makes kitchen appliances for turning food waste into nutrient-rich dirt
Products and services
- Pela Case 100% compostable phone case made from Flaxstic (flax shive and plant-based biopolymer). Available for iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy devices. Drop-tested up to 6 feet with military-grade protection, non-toxic, BPA-free, and designed to decompose in home compost or industrial facilities.
- AirPod Cases Compostable protective cases for AirPods models including AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 3, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 1, and AirPods 1 & 2. Feature MagSafe compatibility and come in various colors.
- Watch Bands (Pela Vine) Eco-friendly watch bands for Apple Watch, branded as Pela Vine Watch straps. Made with sustainable materials as part of Pela's product line.
- Pela Vision Eyewear (Sunglasses) Sustainable sunglasses made with eco-friendly materials. Part of Pela's expansion beyond phone accessories into eyewear.
- Clear Cases with MagSafe Transparent phone cases made from recycled plastic with MagSafe compatibility. Available with various colored ridge options (Noir, True Blue, London Fog, Forest Floor, Sunbeam, Petal Pink).
- Custom/Personalized Cases Custom phone case design service allowing users to upload photos or add custom text, choose fonts, colors, and positions. Available across iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models.
- Canopy Easy Wipe Screen Protector Liquid nano-coating screen protector backed by Pela's $500 Screen Protection Guarantee. Applied to devices and reapplied every 6-12 months for optimal protection.
- Phone Straps Phone strap accessories that attach to phone cases. Sold as best seller item, available in multiple colors including Black and Latte.
- Phone Grips Adhesive phone grips that attach to Pela cases to prevent drops and function as a stand. Peel-and-stick application for secure attachment.
- Card Holders Card holder attachments for phone cases, allowing users to carry essential cards without a separate wallet.
- Charging Cables USB-C charging cables compatible with mobile devices. Part of Pela's charging accessories line.
- MagSafe Module Magnetic module enabling MagSafe compatibility for Pela cases. Sold as a best seller accessory that adheres to the back of phones and cases for magnetic charging and accessory attachment.
- Tote Bags Sustainable everyday tote bags offered as a free gift with $125 purchase and available for standalone sale. Made with eco-friendly materials.
- Mini Wallets Compact sustainable wallets designed to carry essential items. Part of Pela's everyday essentials product line.
- AirTag Holders Accessories for Apple AirTag tracking devices, helping users locate belongings.
- Gift Cards Digital gift cards allowing recipients to choose their own Pela products.
- Artist Series Collaborative phone case collection featuring designs by independent artists. Limited edition, one-of-a-kind designs on compostable cases. Includes collaborations with Adam the Illustrator, Amanda Oleander, Ollie Smither, Orange Juice For Dinner, Whitney Nettles, Katie Waiyu, Cam Miller, and yeunglove.
- Pela x Sports Club Atelier Collection Collaboration collection inspired by nostalgic hockey culture, vintage sports graphics, and bold animal prints, co-developed with Canadian sports brand Sports Club Atelier.
- Pela 360 Program End-of-life product responsibility program where customers can return old Pela cases or conventional plastic cases. Pela upcycles returned plastic cases into new products or ensures proper recycling, supporting a circular economy.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100,049,717 plastic bags prevented from entering waste streams
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Pela
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Pela technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Pela partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Adam Bosley (Adam the Illustrator)coreArtist Series collaboration with Toronto-based illustrator featuring bold, character-driven work with uplifting words and phrases. Limited edition phone case designs created with plants, not plastic.
- Amanda OleandercoreArtist Series collaboration with California-based artist whose work captures intimate moments of everyday life. Designs bring warmth and honesty to eco-friendly phone cases.
- Ollie SmithercoreArtist Series collaboration with UK-based fine line artist whose nature-inspired illustrations are rooted in coastal walks, mountain landscapes, and natural world beauty.
- Liberty Ewan (Orange Juice For Dinner)coreArtist Series collaboration with UK-based artist creating colorful, relatable illustrations celebrating messy and tender moments of being human.
- Whitney NettlescoreArtist Series collaboration with Milwaukee-based graphic designer and illustrator drawing from folk art, vintage finds, and hand lettering.
- Katie WaiyucoreArtist Series collaboration with UK-based illustrator with Hong Kong roots, creating dreamy illustrations capturing peaceful moments and nature.
- Cam MillercoreArtist Series collaboration with Port Hope, Ontario-based illustrator and screenprinter whose bold work pulls from vintage cartoons and classic advertising.
- Janine Yeung (yeunglove)coreArtist Series collaboration with Toronto-based Chinese-Canadian creative building design brand rooted in cuteness, colour, and joyful characters.
- Sports Club AtelierminorCollaboration collection with Canadian sports brand inspired by nostalgic hockey culture, vintage sports graphics, and bold animal prints.
- LomiminorSister brand under same mission-driven family. Lomi turns food waste into nutrient-rich dirt from kitchen. Both brands part of same sustainable solutions mission.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pela competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Casetify: Casetify is the leading direct-to-consumer customizable phone-case brand, competing head-on with Pela in iPhone/Samsung cases via strong artist collaborations and a similar online-led, design-forward positioning.
- OtterBox: OtterBox is the dominant protective phone-case manufacturer; it competes with Pela across the same iPhone, Pixel, and Galaxy lineups with comparable drop-protection claims but a much broader mass-market distribution footprint.
- Speck Products: Speck is a long-standing phone-case competitor offering protective cases for major smartphone brands. It overlaps with Pela's core product line and competes on both drop protection and style.
- Incipio: Incipio designs and markets phone cases and tech accessories across iPhone, Pixel, and Galaxy lineups, serving the same end-consumer with comparable products and overlapping retail channels.
- PopSockets: PopSockets is a major phone-accessory brand whose grips, wallets, and cases compete directly with Pela's strap, grip, card-holder, and case bundles for share of the same buyer's wallet.
- RhinoShield: RhinoShield sells impact-resistant phone cases and accessories across the same flagship smartphone lineups as Pela, often emphasizing material science and protective engineering in marketing.
Emerging players
- Nimble: Nimble is a mission-driven sustainable consumer-electronics brand offering chargers and accessories made from recycled materials; it overlaps with Pela on eco-positioning and DTC distribution but does not specialize in phone cases.
- Wave Case: Wave Case markets itself as a plant-based, biodegradable phone case — a direct sustainability-led alternative to Pela targeting the same eco-conscious consumer segment.
Broad incumbents
- Belkin: Belkin is a large, established consumer-electronics accessories maker whose cases, chargers, and cables overlap with Pela's accessory portfolio, though Belkin operates across a much broader product catalog and global retail footprint.
- Nomad Goods: Nomad designs premium leather and tech accessories including phone cases and charging products, overlapping with Pela's premium-priced, design-led consumer-accessories positioning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pela social profiles
Digital presencePela compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Pela financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pela leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Pela subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Pela funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pela M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pela
What does Pela do?
Pela designs, manufactures, and sells 100% compostable phone cases and consumer electronics accessories made from Flaxstic, a proprietary blend of compostable bioplastic elastomer and flax shive. The product portfolio spans phone cases for iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy, AirPod cases, watch bands, sunglasses, screen protectors, and various accessories, distributed primarily through direct-to-consumer e-commerce, with additional retail and wholesale channels.
Is Pela a public or private company?
Pela is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Pela founded?
Pela was founded in 2011. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Pela based?
Pela is headquartered in Kelowna, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Pela make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Direct E-commerce Sales are the primary driver. The others are retail and Wholesale.
Who are Pela's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Casetify, OtterBox, Speck Products, Incipio, PopSockets and RhinoShield. Emerging players are Nimble and Wave Case. Broad incumbents are Belkin and Nomad Goods.
Does Pela have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pela.
What industry is Pela in?
Pela's product category is Sustainable Consumer Electronics Accessories. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACALAH, Mobile Device Accessories (Cases, Screen Protectors, Mounts). Its NAICS code is 4492 and its SIC code is 3080.