Dbrand Launches 'Touch Grass' Collection

Dbrand’s new “Touch Grass” collection offers a playful solution for those spending excessive time indoors. The collection features device skins covered in bright green artificial turf, available for over 100 devices including smartphones, tablets, and consoles.

Addressing the 'Touch Grass' Meme

The skins are designed to playfully address the internet meme encouraging people to disconnect from their devices and experience the outdoors. Dbrand aims to alleviate guilt associated with prolonged screen time by bringing the outdoors to your gadgets.

Pricing and Availability

The Touch Grass collection is available now through Dbrand’s website. Pricing is consistent with other premium skins: $29.95 for smartphones, $49.95 for tablets, and $69.95 for laptops.

Not an April Fool's Prank

Despite launching on April 1st, Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz confirmed to The Verge that the collection is a legitimate product. “Each year, April 1st rolls around and companies trip over themselves to see who can be the least funny. We, on the other hand, take the opportunity to launch real products. Are they drenched in satire? Yes — but they’re real products you can buy.”

Manufacturing Process

The skins are created using a technique called electrostatic flocking. Thousands of tiny polyethylene strands are electrically charged and applied to an adhesive-coated 3M vinyl skin material.

Durability and Design Challenges

Dbrand conducted durability testing, subjecting the skins to 10,000 abrasive rub cycles with no significant strand detachment. Initial die-cutting methods caused the grass strands to break at the edges, prompting a switch to laser cutting. “The heat from laser cutting effectively cauterizes the polyethylene strands along the perimeter,” Ijaz explained, creating a sealed edge.

Maintenance and Potential Concerns

The company notes the skins may attract lint but can be easily cleaned with a gentle wipe. However, the use of polyethylene raises concerns about potential microplastic pollution when the skins are eventually discarded.