Lastu and The Ocean Cleanup
Cleaning up after ourselves
Lastu has supported environmental projects since 2011. First trees in Zambia, then the Saimaa ringed seal, now collecting plastic from the oceans. The cause has changed, the thinking hasn't: making a product is not a neutral act, so something has to go back.
What does Lastu support?
Lastu supports The Ocean Cleanup, a project that collects plastic waste from the world's oceans and river mouths. The project develops passive collection technology that uses ocean currents: a floating barrier and a deep anchor slow the system relative to the plastic, so debris gathers without the system having to be towed. Earlier support went to Greenpop's tree planting in Zambia and to WWF's work for the Saimaa ringed seal.
What has been supported, and when
- From 2011: tree planting in Zambia together with Greenpop.
- 2016–2017: 5% of sales to WWF's Saimaa ringed seal programme.
- Today: support for The Ocean Cleanup and its work on ocean plastic.
How it works
Passive collection using ocean currents
The Ocean Cleanup's system is a floating barrier with an anchor suspended beneath it, slowing the system in deeper water. The surface current carries plastic faster than the system moves, so debris gathers in the middle of the barrier. The aim is to work without constant towing and therefore with less fuel.
The collected plastic is brought ashore, sorted and recycled. Income from the recycled material goes back into extending the work to new sea areas and to river mouths, which are the source of much of the plastic in the oceans.
Support doesn't make a product emission-free
Charitable giving doesn't cancel out the environmental impact of manufacturing. A laser cutter uses electricity and parcels travel on lorries. Environmentally, the best phone case is always the one you already own.
Which is why the thing that matters most is making a case that lasts years rather than months — and only making it once someone has ordered it. How that works in practice →
Frequently asked questions
Which cause does Lastu support?
The Ocean Cleanup, which develops technology for collecting plastic waste from oceans and river mouths. Earlier support went to Greenpop's tree planting in Zambia and to WWF's Saimaa ringed seal programme.
Does the customer need to do anything?
No. The support is part of Lastu's own operations; there is no extra option to select when ordering.
How does The Ocean Cleanup's system work?
A floating barrier and an anchor beneath it slow the system relative to the surface current, so plastic gathers in the middle of the barrier. The collected plastic is brought ashore, sorted and recycled.
Does supporting a cause make the product environmentally friendly?
Not on its own. Manufacturing always uses energy. The bigger effect comes from making the case only after it is ordered and designing it to last years.
Related
One case that lasts
The best environmental choice is a product you don't have to buy again next year.
Guides, News and Blogs
iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases are now available to order
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max just got their own Lastu cases – available to order now. Wooden cases, M05 camo fabric, carbon-fibre-look KARB, MagSafe and your own photo or engraving with a live preview. And if you already own a Lastu 17 Pro case, it fits the 18 Pro too.
Read moreabout iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max cases are now available to order
Google Pixel 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL cases are now at Lastu
The Google Pixel 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL now have their own Lastu cases. Why the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro don't share a case, how PixelSnap magnets and MagSafe work with a wooden case, and what people really look for in a Pixel case – seven questions answered.
Read moreabout Google Pixel 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro XL cases are now at Lastu
Realme phone cases are coming to Lastu: GT 8 Pro, 16 Pro+, 16 Pro and 16
Read moreabout Realme phone cases are coming to Lastu: GT 8 Pro, 16 Pro+, 16 Pro and 16
Genuine camouflage phone cases: M05, M04, MM14, Flecktarn, M90 and MultiCam
Read moreabout Genuine camouflage phone cases: M05, M04, MM14, Flecktarn, M90 and MultiCam
Genuine birch wood phone cases – colors, finishes, and tar
Read moreabout Genuine birch wood phone cases – colors, finishes, and tar
iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra – rumors, specs and Case
iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra are rumored to launch in September 2026. We’ve rounded up the rumored specs and answer the question everyone’s searching for: will iPhone 17 Pro phone cases fit the iPhone 18 Pro? In Lastu’s range, yes — the case is the same.
Read moreabout iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and iPhone Ultra – rumors, specs and Case
Screen protector or tempered glass—and do you need one in addition to a phone case?
Read moreabout Screen protector or tempered glass—and do you need one in addition to a phone case?
Can the MagSafe magnet damage bank cards?