MTN Nigeria announced on Friday the launch of paper-based biodegradable eco-friendly SIM cards, aligning with its Project Zero initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
The company stated that these biodegradable SIM cards are environmentally safer, supporting product lifecycle management in a way that promotes circularity and reduces waste, according to Nairametrics.
This development follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s recent plans to issue a revised corporate governance code, which emphasizes mandatory sustainability reporting for telecom operators, updating the previous code from 2016.
MTN stated that the phased elimination of plastic-based SIM cards will significantly contribute to preventing plastic pollution, reflecting its commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations.
The company highlighted that the new 100% biodegradable paper-based SIM cards offer numerous benefits over traditional Polyvinyl Chloride plastic SIMs.
These eco-friendly SIMs can naturally biodegrade and are recyclable, which helps reduce waste pollution.
Additionally, they lower the carbon emissions footprint during both production and disposal, addressing key issues associated with plastic SIM cards, such as landfill disposal, limited recycling options, and overall contributions to waste pollution.
MTN said that this initiative aligns with its commitment to “Doing for the Planet,” emphasizing eco-responsibility and the reduction of the company’s environmental footprint through responsible and sustainable waste management practices.
“Our new eco-friendly SIM cards represent part of our continuous commitment to environmental responsibility, as well as our dedication to reducing waste, supporting local Nigerian vendors, and integrating sustainability into business operations as well as the daily lives of the people”, said the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo.
The General Manager of sustainability and Shared Value at MTN, Adekemi Adisa, said, “Our people and the environment where they live drive the innovative measures we take.
“The launch of our recyclable SIM cards embodies our commitment to sustainability, encouraging our customers to make eco-friendly choices, reducing waste and paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future for Nigerians.”
As global awareness of environmental issues grows, mobile network operators are increasingly taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint. This shift has prompted the introduction of biodegradable, paper-based SIM cards.
Traditional SIM cards, which have long been the standard in many regions, are primarily made from non-renewable plastic materials derived from fossil fuels, contributing to environmental concerns.
