★★★★★ 4.6/5 based on 175+ customer reviews
SmartShell 5 - Hard Case for Fairphone 5
SmartShell 5 - Hard Case for Fairphone 5The custom-fit, biodegradable protective case—designed specifically for your Fairphone 5.
- 100% biodegradable
- Reliable protection for everyday life
- 6-month warranty
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Over 8,000 satisfied customers since 2020
Technical Details
Materials
Materials
SmartShell 5:
• Hard case made of biodegradable PP (recycled and fully biodegradable material)
• Sturdy & shock-absorbing – reliably protects your Fairphone
• Like all hard cases, the case itself may show visible signs of damage in the event of a very hard fall, while your device remains protected
• Compatible with HangHub
• Care instructions: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth; do not use harsh cleaning agents. Small scratches can be removed with fine sandpaper or a fine sanding block.
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions & Weight
W: 7.7 cm
H: 16.4 cm
Thickness (including screen protector border): 1.4 cm
Weight: 29 g
Recycling & Circular Economy
Recycling & Circular Economy
Our SmartShell is made from a combination of recycled and recyclable polypropylene (PP) and natural wheat straw fibers.
At the end of its useful life, the cover can be disposed of with general waste.
There, under suitable conditions, the material decomposes without leaving harmful residues or persistent microplastics.
Since there are currently no comprehensive take-back systems for bioplastics in Europe, we recommend this disposal method.

In stock. Delivered to you in 2–3 days.
lightweight, durable, and functional
Effective protection
Shock-resistant & durable: The SmartShell 5 reliably protects your Fairphone 5 from scratches, bumps, and everyday wear and tear.
Screen and Camera Protection: A slightly raised edge around the screen and camera provides extra protection for everyday use.
Snug fit: The precise fit prevents wobbling or gaps—the case fits like a glove.
Smart
Thoughtful details & practical extras
Anti-Tilt Hill: Our proprietary design ensures that your Fairphone 5 sits securely and stably on flat surfaces—even with a case on—without wobbling at all.
Expandable slot: Compatible with our HangHub accessories for wrist straps or carrying straps. This way, you can always keep your smartphone close at hand—perfect for when you're on the go.
Unrestricted usability: All buttons, ports, and the fingerprint sensor remain fully functional.
fair & straightforward
6-month warranty
Biowaves offers a 6-month warranty against material and manufacturing defects.
Even if your case is damaged in a fall, we’ll consider replacing it—fairly and sustainably.
Sustainability for our planet
Biodegradable – breaks down without leaving any residue or harmful substances.
Made with recycled materials to conserve resources and reduce plastic waste.
Short supply chains & fair production through certified partnerships.
Top-notch quality & a pleasant feel
The SmartShell 5 stands out for its high-quality, biodegradable, and recycled materials, which feel natural and comfortable.
Its smooth, matte surface with a subtle texture feels warm and soft to the touch—with no chemical odor or artificial additives.
Thanks to the material's natural pigmentation, each case is one-of-a-kind—with a subtle, unique grain.
Choose sustainable quality – Biowaves for your Fairphone.
Biowaves
Other manufacturers
Who We Are
Live mindfully. Act sustainably.
Hello, I’m Neele—and I’m part of the family behind Biowaves.
Together, we develop sustainable products for people who want to live consciously and take responsibility. Our love for nature shapes every detail—from the materials to the design.
Join us on our journey toward more mindful consumption—step by step.
FAQs
Will the case still fit if I use a screen protector or camera lens protector?
Yes, our case is designed to be compatible with standard screen and camera protectors. The raised edges provide additional protection without affecting the fit.
What does “Anti-Tilt Hill” mean?
The special Anti-Tilt Hill design ensures that your Fairphone 5, even with its case on, sits securely on flat surfaces—without wobbling. This lets you comfortably use or set your smartphone down on a table without it wobbling. A small design innovation with a big convenience benefit.
Will the case wear out over time, or will it remain sturdy?
Our hard cases are not made of soft silicone, but of a sturdy biomaterial with a slight degree of elasticity. This ensures that the fit remains precise over time—without stretching out or becoming loose.
What is the card slot for?
It is designed to be used with the Biowaves HangHub —to securely attach wrist straps or lanyards.
You can find the HangHub, as well as wrist straps and necklaces handmade in Germany, under Accessories. Or check out our Mix and Match value bundles right away.
Can I purchase the accessories (e.g., the HangHub) at a later date?
Yes! The HangHub is available as a separate accessory in our store and can be easily inserted into the SmartShell 5’s slot in just a few simple steps. This allows you to customize your case—for example, by adding a wrist strap or carrying chain for even more comfort and security on the go.
What exactly is the case made of?
The Biowaves case is made from a biodegradable, toxin-free blend of materials that includes recycled components. It contains no plasticizers, BPA, or other harmful additives, and is skin-friendly and odorless.
Is the case really biodegradable? How does it work?
Yes—the material was designed to break down completely under industrial or natural conditions. This process produces no microplastics or environmentally harmful residues.
Under ideal conditions in industrial composting facilities, the degradation process is particularly efficient. Unfortunately, such facilities are not yet widespread throughout Europe.
Where is the case manufactured?
Our cases are designed in Germany and manufactured in collaboration with certified, fair-trade partners. This ensures that production, quality, and working conditions meet our sustainability standards.
💚 Have more questions about shipping, the warranty, or returns?
Check out our FAQ page —there you'll find all the information you need about ordering, delivery, and customer service.