MTN South Africa Launches Biodegradable Sim cards

MTN South Africa Launches Biodegradable Sim cards

MTN South Africa has launched biodegradable Sim cards in an effort to tackle plastic waste pollution, with an estimated 180 million of these cards bought by consumers across the industry each year.

Many of the Sim cards are used only for a short time – sometimes to take advantage of a specific deal – before being disposed of in landfill or the environment.

“The raw materials used in the production of the Sim cards are 100% FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, meaning they come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits,” MTN said in a statement on Tuesday.

The FSC is a global organisation focused on promoting responsible forest management.

The biodegradable Sim cards will degrade within three to six months when placed in a landfill, soil or sea
“Unlike traditional plastic Sim cards, which do not decompose, the MTN biodegradable Sim cards will degrade within three to six months when placed in a landfill, the soil or the sea,” the company said.

It said the eco-friendly Sim cards ensure the same network connectivity, speeds and security as plastic cards.

“From this month, we will start distributing these Sim cards to MTN stores and partners across the country,” said MTN South Africa chief commercial operations officer Wanda Matandela in the statement.

Earlier this month, TechCental reported that South Africa’s mobile operators produce an estimated 180 million Sim cards each year, or about three times the country’s population.