A NEW ERA The new half-sized recycled Eco-SIM cards will progressively replace SIM cards traditionally made from new plastic
Vodacom is launching Eco-SIM cards made from recycled plastic in South Africa as the company works to reduce its impact on the environment by halving its greenhouse-gas emissions by 2025.
The South African launch of the recycled cards, which will progressively replace SIM cards that are made from new plastic, also forms an integral part of parent company Vodafone’s roll-out in 14 of its other markets.
“We are constantly researching and launching initiatives that help us create a sustainable future and preserve our natural resources. The launch of these ecofriendly SIMs forms part of our overall strategy to create a better future and more sustainable world through the adoption of sustainable practices like recycling plastic SIMs, thereby reducing waste,” says Vodacom South Africa MD Balesh Sharma.
The introduction of Eco-SIM cards follows the recent Eco Rating initiative, launched to encourage consumers to make conscious buying choices when picking a mobile handset. The Pan-Industry Eco Rating for mobile phones across multiple brands carries a distinct label at point of sale where these devices are available for sale to customers.
“As part of this initiative, we aim to minimise and eliminate plastic use at all our touch points, including our warehouses and our different logistics and distribution chains,” adds Vodacom Terminals managing executive Davide Tacchino.