Globe Telecom, a provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines, has launched the first-ever Eco-SIM cards in Asia for its postpaid mobile customers.
The environment-friendly SIM cards are made from 100% recycled polystyrene that came from discarded refrigerator interiors.
With its partner Thales, Globe has deployed Eco-SIM cards starting November 2021. Thales first developed the Eco-SIM card in 2020 in partnership with Veolia.
SIM cards are among the smallest consumer items in the world, weighing around 4 grams each. However, with approximately 4.5 billion SIM cards manufactured every year, their combined weight represents an estimated 20,000 tons of plastic and other polymers, or the equivalent weight of 4000 jeepneys.
"As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the onus is on companies to innovate to introduce sustainable technology solutions to remain competitive. As a Group, Thales has pledged to get to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, and we align with the ambitions of many organizations to work for the better good and build a sustainable future. The Eco-SIM card is small, but it has a big impact on plastic and polymer waste and is another example of how we innovate to drive change," said Jon Cahilig, Head of Mobile Connectivity Solutions for Asia, Thales Digital Identity & Security.
In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption in its operations.
In 2018, Globe was also the first in the country to introduce electronic SIMs, or eSIM, as another alternative to physical SIM cards. eSIMs are digital SIMs embedded incompatible mobile phone models, allowing its users to manage multiple profiles using different mobile numbers on just one device and effortlessly switch lines that fit their purpose. It also allows gadgets like smartphones and smartwatches to be connected under one mobile number.
