Telecommunication giant MTN Nigeria is making a notable move toward Environmental Sustainability by introducing its biodegradable SIM cards, which align with the company’s Project Zero goal. This effort aims to cut down on Plastic Waste and assist in reaching the target of net-zero Emissions by 2040. During the launch event in Lagos, Tobe Okigbo, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN, underscored the organisation’s commitment to sustainable practices. This showcases their aim to integrate environmental responsibilities into their operational routines and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
Okigbo noted that the rollout of the new Eco-friendly SIM cards represents more than just a promotional effort; it is part of a broader, enduring plan to minimise waste and lower carbon emissions. He remarked that the company is dedicated to adopting sustainable business methods beyond reducing carbon emissions. The goal is to make a beneficial impact on society and secure a sustainable future for the community. However, their decision to transition to the biodegradable line is timely, as the region’s mobile subscriber base is expected to exceed 200 million by 2025. Traditional SIM cards, typically made from non-renewable plastics like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), contribute to global plastic waste.
Adekemi discussed the benefits of the newly introduced eco-friendly system.
With over six billion SIM cards produced annually globally, generating about 18,000 kilograms of plastic waste, the need for an alternative solution has become urgent. MTN has introduced an eco-system made from biodegradable materials designed to tackle this issue and reduce the plastic waste that impacts the environment. Adekemi Adisa, MTN’s General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, discussed the new system’s advantages. She pointed out that the environmental consequences of plastic cards go beyond terrestrial waste. She stressed the importance of recognising the effects on rivers and oceans, where plastic waste poses risks to aquatic species.
By launching the new system, they seek to mitigate these ecological threats and decrease the carbon footprint linked to the Manufacturing and disposal of plastic. Introducing these cards is a key component of their larger Project Zero program, an extensive decarbonisation plan. This initiative seeks to minimise the organisation’s carbon emissions by incorporating Renewable Energy practices into its operations and promoting a circular economy. By adopting this strategy, they emphasise waste reduction, material recycling, and improving ecological sustainability throughout its entire value chain.
FSC approved the new system and ensured the paper was acceptable.
This program aligns with the goal by ensuring that, in contrast to traditional plastic cards, these eco-friendly alternatives decompose harmlessly in nature once they reach the end of their useful life, encouraging Recycling and minimising waste. Oluwole Dada, the General Manager at Secure ID Limited, commended the initiative as vital for tackling the increasing global issue of plastic waste, particularly within the telecommunications industry. He pointed out that the United Nations estimates 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled effectively.
Dada emphasised that implementing biodegradable SIM cards represents a notable move towards addressing this issue, illustrating how the telecommunications sector can embrace eco-friendly methods to reduce ecological damage. Moreover, the sim card holds certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that the paper used is obtained from responsibly and ethically managed forestry. These bioSIMs are designed to break down naturally, reducing their environmental impact. By opting for biodegradable SIM cards over traditional plastic alternatives, the company aims to tackle the issues linked to plastic waste, including the scarcity of recycling possibilities and the effect of waste disposal practices.
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Lastly, the company further urges its users to transition to this environmentally friendly system, reinforcing their dedication to eco-conscious practices through its “Doing for the Planet” program. By incorporating sustainability within its business model, the company seeks to motivate customers to make healthier and more sustainable choices for everyone. The new system reflects a global movement among telecom companies to minimise their environmental impact. Traditional SIM cards, composed of non-renewable plastics derived from fossil fuels, have long been the standard across the continent. However, with millions of discarded plastic cards ending up in landfills and oceans, the environmental impact has become increasingly severe.