The GTB Global Trade Berlin GmbH with its premium brands BlackRock and WhiteDiamonds has developed a new series of design cases for the Apple iPhone products XS, XS Max and XR. The series features a particularly robust material, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) from Covestro with elastic and rigid components offering high impact and abrasion resistance.
According to Covestro, the aim of the cooperation with GTB, a company that is part of Hama GmbH & Co. KG and a developer of mobile radio accessories, is based on the common desire to develop high-quality and safe products. The new range of cases is designed elaborately and for different target groups. The cases are available in various designs and finishes. What they have in common is the good shock absorption of the outer case shell – one of the typical features of TPU, in addition to scratch and slip resistance. Small air cushions provide additional protection by distributing the impact energy onto the case to protect the interior of the device.
On the outer packaging consumers will find the logos of Covestro and GTB. The companies said they want to use this to communicate their quality and safety commitment at the point of sale (POS). To promote the products to this target group, they rely on broad market coverage, primarily through distribution via large electronics retail chains.
As one of the leading TPU producers, Covestro operates regional organisations in Asia, North America and Europe for innovation, production, application technology and sales of the versatile plastics. Four of the six production sites worldwide are located in Asia alone. The material for the smartphone cases is also produced there.
„This positioning allows us to serve our customers efficiently and flexibly around the world,“ said Ulf Wentzien, Global Head of Industrial Marketing for the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment at Covestro, to which the TPU products belong. „This lets us, for instance, adapt well to the rapidly changing requirements of the electronics industry in Asia and aids in making the necessary decisions.”