MATERIAL AND CARE GUIDE

Taking care of your products is important to us and our environment. Our products are designed to last for a long time. Each season several quality control tests are performed by external independent laboratories, on all our new styles. We also make sure to test our cases, tech-gear, bags and accessories in our daily lives to make sure they are as functional and resistant as they are fashionable. In this care guide we will share tips on how you, in an easy way, can extend the life of your Ideal of Sweden products.n

MATERIAL GUIDE

IDEAL OF SWEDEN have been a cruelty free business from the beginning. Instead of using real leather we use alternative animal-free options in all our production. Simply put, we don’t like hurting animals, so the choice of material is ethically important to us. We care about the welfare of the planet.nnFurthermore, our animal-free choice of material gives you the same look as real leather while often being cheaper, easier to take care of and more durable.

Our collections are all designed by our Stockholm-based design team. Our products are the result of extensive research, resulting in the fine details synonymous with high-quality function and luxury.

We develop prototypes and collections based on our sketches, using our signature faux leathers. We are exploring products in eco-friendly materials like, recycled polyester and recycled polyurethane. Durability and long-lasting aspects are the main priority and are always evaluated whenever we transit from virgin to recycled materials. This is a continuous journey for us, and we will put a lot of effort into developing products in more sustainable options.

Our production is based in China where we collaborate with a few carefully chosen vendors. The factories must follow our code of conduct to qualify for cooperation. We care about long-lasting relationships that we develop together over time. We visit each factory on a regular basis and build strong personal relationships with their owners; they too are a part of IDEAL OF SWEDEN.

OUR MATERIALS

POLYCARBONATE (PC)

PC is used cross over our phone cases. This material has been selected in favor of other plastics due to its strength and durability aspects.

FAUX LEATHER

Faux leather is classified as a material that contains no animal-derived components. Various faux leathers are used in our production, the scientific terms are PU (polyurethane) and PVC (polyvinylchloride). PU is less harmful to the environment than natural leather. Furthermore, we have completely excluded PVC from our products.

SNAKE & CROC EFFECT

The snake and croc effect is created by embossing faux leather. The result is strong and durable. Care should be taken to avoid prolonged abrasion, moisture, grease, and alcohol liquids as this may cause damage to the raised texture of this material.

NAPPA EFFECT

The nappa effect is recognized by its luxurious, smooth and delicate surface. The surface is sensitive to scratching, moisture, grease and alcohol liquids; this may leave marks/ watermarks which are very difficult to remove. Always keep products in their dust bags when not in use.

GLOSSY/METALLIC EFFECT

The glossy or metallic effect on the faux leather is a surface finishing. With abrasion and wear, the metallic foil can be removed. This is normal wear for this type of leather and is not considered a flaw. Once the metallic finish is removed, it cannot be re-applied. Try to especially avoid contact with liquids containing alcohol as this will remove the colour and finishing. With constant flexing, the leather may develop wrinkles which is considered the natural wear of the material and cannot be reversed. Always keep products in their dust bags when not in use.

METALLIC GLITTER EFFECT

Metallic/Glitter effects is a beautiful element on accessories and it´s recognized as luxurious and delicate. We would advise against wearing a coarse glitter with a delicate material, such as chiffon, as it may snag the material. A small amount of glitter loss may occur, and the material can be damaged by abrasion. As with all metallic finishes, liquids containing alcohol should be avoided.

SUEDE EFFECTnThe faux suede surface is recognized for its matte and soft surface. The surface is sensitive to moisture, grease, and alcohol liquids. It is very absorbent and if a stain becomes deeply ingrained then it can be impossible to remove.

NYLON & POLYESTER

Nylon and polyester are both synthetic fabrics. Both options are known for being durable and weather-resistant. They can vary in look and type but at IDEAL OF SWEDEN, you will find it in our more sporty products or where fabric is used in general.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

Recycled polyester, often called rPet, in our case is made from recycled plastic bottles, and is a great way to divert plastic from landfills. Designing our products using recycled polyester in contrast to the virgin alternative also has positive advantages in terms of reducing dependency on fossil fuels and generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

RECYCLED POLYURETHANE

Recycled polyurethane is a greener alternative to regular polyurethane, PVC and natural leather in both production and after-care. Designing our products using recycled polyurethane is not only a great way to minimize waste streams but also to reduce the amounts of toxic chemicals leaching from landfills that interfere with the endocrine systems of animals and humans. In comparison to PVC or leather, recycled polyurethane does not require softening solvents in the manufacturing process, and so the material does not contribute to PH change in soil and water. Recycled polyurethane can also be deteriorated at the product’s end of life and further used in various applications, from furniture to construction.

RECYCLED POLYCARBONATE / PCR POLYCARBONATE

PCR means post-consumer recycled, and PCR materials are made from recycled plastic sourced from various discarded materials. To make PCR plastics, the waste must be converted into raw materials. After being collected, the plastic waste goes through specialized sorting, cleaning, and grinding. After that, the PCR granule is produced, melted down, and reprocessed into new plastic.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR IDEAL OF SWEDEN PRODUCTS

Taking care of your products is important to us and our environment. Our products are designed to last for a long time.

Cases and other tech accessories:

• The easy way to remove a phone case is to first lift one side or one corner up from the bottom of the case, then gently remove the case. By removing the case in this way, you will prolong the life of your case.

• Try to avoid moisture, grease and hand lotion. Keep it nice and clean by wiping it with a damp cloth. Let it dry naturally.

• When using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitiser, simply ensure your hands are fully dry when touching your product after any application of hand sanitiser.

• Try to avoid scratching, like sharp nails or rough objects during use.

• Don’t overexpose your case or tech accessories to the sunlight or high temperatures. You should always keep your device in a cool place.nn• To prolong the life of your case and tech accessory, store it in the box given from IDEAL OF SWEDEN.

• A battle against yellowing. Most translucent cases turn yellow with time and the causes are many, such as UV exposure, regular contact with dyed materials, or simply oxidation. Our Clear Case makes no exception, but caring for your product will help prevent the process. Our best advice is to avoid placing your phone case in direct sunlight, as UV rays speed up the discoloration process.

Bags, Mini Bags and Laptop Sleeves:

• Try to avoid moisture, grease and hand lotion. Keep it nice and clean by wiping it with a damp cloth. Let it dry naturally.

• When using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitiser, simply ensure your hands are fully dry when touching your product after any application of hand sanitiser.

• Try to avoid scratching, like sharp nails or rough objects during use.

• Do not put your bag or laptop sleeve in direct sunlight and avoid high temperatures.

• To keep a nice shape over time, we recommend you store the bag/ laptop sleeve semi-stuffed in a dustbag. Use the box or dust bag provided from IDEAL OF SWEDEN.

Straps and Chains:

• Stand-alone straps are a perfect product to reinvent and breathe new life into your cases and bags. Remove and detach gently to keep functional over time.

• Try to avoid moisture, grease and hand lotion. Keep it nice and clean by wiping it with a damp cloth. Let it dry naturally.

• When using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitiser, simply ensure your hands are fully dry when touching your product after any application of hand sanitiser.

• Metal chains are sensitive to humidity and water. Try to avoid such contact to keep the chain metal coating consistent over time.

• Try to avoid scratching, like sharp nails or rough objects during use.

• To keep a nice look over time, we recommend you store the strap or chain in a dust bag. Use the box or dust bag provided from IDEAL OF SWEDEN.

OUR JOURNEY TOWARDS RECYCLED PHONE CASES

To meet our sustainability targets and reduce our environmental footprint, one of our focus areas has been using recycled and responsibly sourced materials. Our primary focus has been finding a way to phase out the virgin plastic in our top-selling fashion cases. We wanted to ensure that the plastic we put in our phone cases reuses waste while having similar properties as our existing polycarbonate, moving us forward and closer to a circular economy.

Are all parts of the fashion case made from recycled material?

The main part of the phone case is made of recycled plastic, or more concretely, post-consumer recycled polycarbonate. Of course, there is room for improvement, like reviewing alternatives for our lining options and metal hardware. That will take time, but we are very hopeful at the moving pace! Becoming the most responsible version of ourselves is a fascinating and continuous journey, and every step counts. 

What is PCR polycarbonate?

PCR means post-consumer recycled, and PCR materials are made from recycled plastic sourced from various discarded materials. To make PCR plastics, the waste must be converted into raw materials. As post-consumer waste is the most significant waste stream, we're constantly looking for ways to reduce its size.

How is PCR plastic made?

After being collected, the plastic waste goes through specialised sorting, cleaning, and grinding. After that, the PCR granule is produced, melted down, and reprocessed into new plastic.

Is PCR plastic biodegradable?

No, it's not. Biodegradable materials naturally break down into non-toxic component substances once consigned to a compost heap. PCR products have already achieved the goal of sustainability before consumers purchase them, with no need for further reprocessing.

What are the benefits of PCR polycarbonate?

PCR plastic offers many economic and environmental benefits.

Here are five key takeaways:

1. Reduction of CO2 emissions and fossil fuel usage
2. Reduction of waste entering landfills and waterways
3. It helps create a circular economy
4. Using it shows environmental commitment while also supporting growing consumer demand for sustainability
5. It's cost-effective 

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We hope this Care guide was helpful and that you will treat your IDEAL OF SWEDEN product with good care. If you require any additional or specific care guidance for your product, please do not hesitate to ask for advice from our Customer Services team.