FAQ

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What's with this "It's made of Paper"?

All of our products use a layered paper composite called Richlite. Our original iPhone 4/s case used about 100 sheets of stacked paper. Our current cases use about 20. Our unique fused laminate is always stronger than solid wood, and our cases prove it!

What is Richlite?

Richlite is a unique, US-made product produced from FSC® Certified Eucalyptus trees from responsibly managed forests in Brazil and FSC® Certified softwoods from Sweden. The wood is first turned into pulp and made into paper. The paper is dyed, then layered and baked under tons of pressure with an eco-friendly resin – creating a dense, consistent wood product without the splitting and cracking found in solid wood or bamboo. Perfect for something like an iPhone case, or all the other stuff we make!

Can I rock out and watch how Richlite makes their sustainable recycled material?

Sure!

Does anyone else make cases out of Richlite?

Though Richlite has been around since the 40's, and originally used in aerospace applications, we were the first to create a case from it, and the first to machine it to the tolerances required to make an iPhone case!

What does being FSC® & Rainforest Alliance Certified mean?

You'll see several iPhone case companies use the terms "all natural," "eco-friendly" or "organic" when describing their wood or bamboo materials used. However, without proper certification they have no credible link to back up their claims. Some companies even state that because "they" know where their wood comes from, you shouldn't worry!

FSC® Certification provides a credible link between responsible production and consumption of plant products, enabling consumers and businesses to make purchasing decisions that benefit people and the environment.

If you'd like to see Richlite's certification, have a look at their site!

What finish do you use on your cases?

Unlike most veneer-based case makers, solid paper Twig cases require no lacquer, varnish, mineral oil, or other spray-on plastic finishes. Your natural hand oil is the best finish you can find! Our cases will slightly darken naturally in a short time.

There is no need to dip or soak your Twig Case in oil to prevent cracking of the paper or bamboo. We do apply a small amount of natural oil to the back of our bamboo and walnut cases. If you prefer a darker, more shiny finish you may do so as well.

Will water damage the case?

Nope, though we recommend you take your phone out before you clean it, as iPhones are not water resistant...ok, maybe these days the iPhone is cool with a swim.

Richlite is used for countertops, cutting boards, precision guitar fingerboards and outdoor skateboard parks, all water resistant. If you do get our case wet, just remove the iPhone, and set it aside until it is dry - we don't recommend leaving an iPhone in a wet case.

Is the case heavy?

Because our paper composite is stronger than solid wood, we're able to make a less bulky case than most wood or bamboo grass cases you see on the market. It weighs about the same as 3 or 4 quarters - under an ounce.

How does a Twig Case feel when holding it?

Our solid paper and bamboo or walnut cases feel like that expensive, heavy stock paper you wish everything could be printed on. We've heard it described as feeling similar to dense ebony wood, leather, and antique books. It's warm and cozy and textural.

How durable is a Twig Case?

Richlite makes our cases durable, not bamboo or wood. If you're shopping for wood iPhone cases keep that in mind. Twig Cases are more durable than wood and bamboo cases, but are not indestructible. They will protect your iPhone from the bumps and scrapes of everyday normal use!

Our Richlite paper composite resists scratches, our laser designs are resistant to wear, and our paper cases resist bending better than any solid bamboo, solid wood case or wood veneer case out there!

That said, if you are prone to dropping your iPhone repeatedly on hard surfaces you might want a different case.

How do I care for my case?

Your Twig case needs no special care. If you need to clean it, we recommend a damp cloth or soft toothbrush dampened with water. If you remove your iPhone often, please take care to keep the inside of your case clean. Dust and dirt work their way into any case! Compressed air, or a gentle swipe with a toothbrush will take care of most pocket lint, pup hairs, or dust.

Twig Cases also enjoy quiet walks along a moonlit beach or park, candlelight dinners, and occasional flowers. Singing a quiet song to your Twig Case is recommended.

How do I install my iPhone in my case?

Our recent iPhone cases have flexible sides, so you can snap the case on with no worries. To remove your iPhone, we recommend gently pushing your iPhone out via the camera cutout, over a soft surface in case your iPhone gets away from you. As with anything, don't force it. 

Are your cases made in America?

As much as we can source locally, we do. Everything is machined from start to finish in Minnesota. Even our packaging is made locally. Almost everything that goes into making a Twig Case is made in the U.S.

Why do you sometimes say bamboo "grass" in your copy?

Bamboo is a species of grass and commonly misrepresented and/or mistaken as a wood species. Our background is in guitar construction where many wood species are used. The over-harvesting of many woods is why we focus on rapidly renewable bamboo and our sustainable harvested walnut.

How big is your case? How about the headphone jack and charging port?

All of our cases add about 2-3 mm to the size of your iPhone.

iPhone X to the iPhone 14 uses magic blue teeth to make your headphones work. The lightning port hole will easily work with most good quality cables.

Our iPhone SE/8/7/Plus cases come with extra courage and have no headphone jack hole. ;) The lightning port hole is designed to work best with the Apple supplied Lightning cable, but will work with non-oversize aftermarket cables.

Can I use a screen protector with a Twig Case?

Most front screen protectors will work just fine, and applying them once you have your Twig Case on your iPhone even helps align it correctly! Is there nothing we can't do?

Twig Cases are machined to teeny tiny tolerances that ensure a perfect fit on your iPhone. Back protectors add varying amounts of unknown thickness, stress the case, the iPhone, and your patience. We don't recommend a back protector with your Twig Case.

Why do your cases look so much better than others?

We developed our exclusive Richlite material in 2011. Unlike our friends in the wood sticker business, we engrave right through our Bamboo or color top sheet into contrasting material itself. The black you see on our Bamboo case? That's the black paper Richlite showing through where our lasers have vaporized the bamboo. Not surface paint, not inkjet prints - it's real engraving.

The result is real, durable contrast you'll only find with us. You can try wood inlays, but you can't get the detail we can - we should know, we've inlayed heirloom guitars (and our own cases!). You can glue a veneer to another, but glued veneers flake off after a short time. Only our exclusive fused Richlite is durable enough for a iPhone case. 

Laser engraving wood leaves a burned, resiny residue. We've actually seen the other guys leave it on and call that contrast, skip the finish work required to remove it, spray their sealer over it, or not even see it. Amateur hour. You gonna put that on your iPhone?

Can I send you my artwork to laser into the case?

Yes, but it must be a non-trademarked, copyright-free image in black and white with no grayscale. See our custom page for more.

So, this is like the world's greatest eco-friendly iPhone case ever then?

We like to think so :) 

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