What is TPU and Why Do We Make Our Cases From it?

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is an up-and-coming material that is gaining popular traction in many different fields. Considered a bridge between rubbers and plastics, TPU is a very sturdy material that maintains a very flexible structure – absorbing shock and recovering from stretching. Today, you can find an array of useful items made from TPU: including baby teething toys, medical equipment, sporting goods, and more.

Here at Epic Crates, we take our responsibility to the environment and our customers’ well-being seriously. That’s why we chose a material that not only looks good on your phone but one that’s non-toxic and good for the world around us.

TPU is the only material Epic Crates uses for our phone cases. Early trial designs for our products included wood and different plastics, testing for the most efficient and environmentally responsible material to fit our needs. TPU has been demonstrated to be BPA, BPS, and BPF free – as well as fully biodegradable and recyclable. Most importantly, TPU is a safe material – containing NO chemicals that interfere with endocrine and hormone systems, and no dangerous ingredients according to REACH Compliance (EC) No 1907/2006.

A non-soluble material, you can trust that your Epic Crates Case will not degrade when exposed to fluid – including grease, oils, and other materials. In fact, our TPU phone cases will resist most liquid, ultimately reducing bacterial home creation. However, TPU is a hygroscopic material which means that it will slowly absorb moisture from its environment and begin to biodegrade over time. Not to worry – this event won’t happen for a good 3-5 years – which is the average lifetime of your typical device or typical phone case.

Lastly, we chose Thermoplastic Polyurethane because of its durability and structural integrity. With a high-strength composition, TPU can withstand ambient temperatures up to 80° C or 176° F. It is flexible, strong, and resistant to life’s wear and tear. It can be intensely compressed and flexed to a degree whereas other plastics such as ABS, PVC, ASA, and PLA – can’t compare. With its versatility and environmentally friendly attributes, it is a perfect material for our American-grown business – helping us stay responsible and efficient in producing amazing phone cases for you.