With the increasing number of people using AirTags to track their belongings, sustainable technology protection developer Horizen has launched South Africa’s first three-dimensional (3D) printed, rugged and sustainable solution for Apple AirTag owners, says Horizen founder Calvin Terblanche.

The Johannesburg company’s locally manufactured AirTag cases were developed to replace existing, imported AirTag cases on the market. After testing, Horizen found that these cases were fragile, a poor fit and lacked the waterproofing needed to protect an Apple AirTag during outdoor activities.

“This led to a pile of discarded AirTag cases, contributing to the plastic waste issue,” adds Terblanche.

He stresses that this exacerbates the environmental toll of conventional manufacturing and importing, namely the carbon footprints associated with international transport, the plastic waste crisis, and the impact of mass production on worker wellbeing.

Horizen’s AirTag cases are 3D-printed in South Africa, reducing carbon emissions from shipping while supporting local producers. Failed 3D prints are recycled into 3D filament for use in Horizen’s products, which uses 90% less energy than virgin plastic.

The company is also committed to eco-friendly practices throughout its operations, aiming to use 100% recycled materials by 2025 to help tackle plastic waste.

Designed for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the cases from Horizen provide reliable protection for AirTags while also contributing to wildlife conservation efforts, states Terblanche.

Beyond developing environment-conscious products, Horizen supports wildlife conservation through partners like FreeMe Wildlife in KwaZulu-Natal, contributing a portion of its revenue to vital conservation efforts. One per cent of every purchase is donated to the FreeMe Wildlife rehabilitation centre, aiding in rehabilitating, and releasing indigenous animals into their natural habitats.

Horizen was founded in 2023 to create products that not only protect but also give back to the environment and the local economy, rather than taking away.

"Our product is built to last rather than become obsolete and end up in the bin and landfills. We’ve considered the impact of our AirTag case on the environment, animals and people,” highlights Terblanche.

From keyrings to bike mounts and dog collar attachments, Horizen offers a range of AirTag cases for users to customise their tracking experience. Whether tracking hiking gear, bicycles, pets, or vehicles, adventurers can trust Horizen to keep their AirTags safe in any environment.

Horizen AirTag cases are tested in harsh outdoor conditions to ensure reliable protection against impacts, bumps and scratches. Further, the company’s waterproof models can be submerged up to 50 m, keeping AirTags safe from water damage.

Aside from its reliable AirTag protection, Horizen encourages consumers to consider the impact of their purchases on the environment.

"We don’t always consider where our products come from, how they’re made, what materials are used, and their impact on the environment. Most companies don’t share this information; we should ask: Why not?” advances Terblanche.