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 half-sized format recycled cards, which will progressively replace SIM cards which are currently made from new plastic, also formed 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 eco-friendly SIMs forms part of our overall purpose strategy to create a better future and more sustainable world through the adoption of sustainable practices like recycling plastic SIMs, thereby reducing waste,” said 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 purchasing 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 warehouse and our different logistics and distribution chains,” added Vodacom Terminals managing executive Davide Tacchino.

“Although Vodacom offers eSIM support on wearables in South Africa, most mobile customers still require a physical SIM card for their mobile device until eSIM support for all devices become more widespread.”

Vodacom aims to minimise, and eventually eliminate, the use of plastics at other business touch points and has eliminated all unnecessary plastic and disposable single-use items across retail stores and some of its offices.

“This includes the removal of plastic straws, stirrers, cups and cutlery in our canteens. In 2019, Vodacom also eliminated the use of plastic bags across its stores, and replaced them with recyclable brown paper bags. All Vodacom stores now use an email receipting system which sends receipts through email or SMS replacing the need to print receipts and saving on paper consumption.”