Airtel Adopts Recycled PVC SIM Cards in Partnership with IDEMIA

In a significant step towards sustainable practices, Bharti Airtel, a major telecommunications service provider in India, has announced its transition to using recycled PVC for its SIM cards. This move, made in collaboration with IDEMIA Secure Transactions, aims to reduce the environmental impact of the telecom industry by limiting the use of virgin plastic and cutting down on carbon emissions. IDEMIA Secure Transactions, a branch of the IDEMIA Group, offers payment and connectivity solutions across various sectors.

Key Highlights:

• Airtel becomes the first Indian telecom operator to use recycled plastic for SIM cards.
• The initiative is expected to prevent the generation of over 165 tonnes of virgin plastic.
• It will also contribute to a reduction of over 690 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions in a year.
• This decision aligns with Airtel’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and promoting circular economy practices.

Pankaj Miglani, Director – Supply Chain at Bharti Airtel, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for leading the telecom industry towards more sustainable practices. He emphasized the initiative’s alignment with India’s goals for achieving net-zero emissions. Rahul Tandon, Senior VP at IDEMIA Secure Transactions, praised the partnership and the innovative steps being taken to offer greener solutions to subscribers.

Airtel has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations, aiming for a 50.2% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 42% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2030-31, using the fiscal year 2020-21 as the baseline. The company’s sustainability efforts include promoting energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy, and implementing waste management practices.

The switch to recycled PVC SIM cards represents a significant milestone in Airtel’s sustainability journey, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship and circular economy principles. This initiative not only highlights the telecom sector’s potential to contribute to a greener future but also sets a precedent for other companies to follow in adopting eco-friendly practices.