As the impacts of climate change and plastic pollution intensify, the call for sustainable solutions has never been louder.
The introduction of biodegradable products, such as SIM cards, reflects a significant shift towards more sustainable practices
MTN Nigeria, at the weekend in Lagos, introduced paper-based eco-friendly SIM cards that are biodegradable.
These new cards will replace the existing plastic SIM cards, which are not biodegradable.
Eco-friendly MTN SIM cards
As a result of this initiative, MTN has become the first telecom company in Nigeria to launch paper-based biodegradable SIM cards.
This move aligns with its corporate policy aimed at advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sustainability goals.
In announcing the launch, Tobe Okigbo, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO) at MTN Nigeria, stated that the company would begin a phased replacement of its plastic SIM cards.
However, the immediate rollout of the new biodegradable MTN SIM cards will occur for all SIM replacements, upgrades, and swaps to support environmental sustainability.
“Our new eco-friendly SIM cards represent part of our continuous commitment to environmental responsibility,” Okigbo said.
He emphasised the company’s dedication to reducing waste, supporting local Nigerian vendors, and integrating sustainability into both business operations and daily life.
Okigbo explained that MTN partnered with Secure ID to design and produce these biodegradable SIMs for the Nigerian telecom market.
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Reason For Change
He noted that plastic SIMs do not decompose, contributing to plastic waste that emits high levels of carbon.
This is particularly critical as Nigeria and the global community strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions to mitigate climate change.
Kemi Adisa, General Manager of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Nigeria, highlighted that the company would continue to integrate ESG principles into all its operations.
This commitment aims to sustain the Nigerian environment in alignment with ESG goals.
Adisa outlined several reasons for MTN’s investment in eco-friendly SIM cards.
Benefits Of Eco-friendly SIM Cards
She stated that this initiative would help reduce carbon emissions in Nigeria, lower plastic waste that contributes to environmental pollution.
It will also support the circular economy through product recycling, and embed ESG initiatives throughout MTN Nigeria’s operations.
“Eco-friendly SIM cards offer a sustainable solution for a better future for both MTN subscribers and the entire Nigerian populace,” Adisa remarked.
She urged Nigerians to recognize the importance of switching to the biodegradable SIM cards, which are now available at all MTN customer experience centers.
The introduction of eco-friendly paper-based SIM cards by MTN Nigeria will help address the rising issues of plastic pollution and the impacts of climate change, as noted by Dada.
