FNB Connect Sim Card. Picture: FNB
In a bid to reduce the impact on the environment, FNB Connect has introduced eco-friendly SIM cards made possible by biodegradable SIM card carriers, and recyclable packaging.
The new sim cards use a reduced-plastic design, replacing the traditional full plastic carrier with a paper-based cardboard, while the packaging is made from high-grade, recyclable paperboard rather than plastic laminate.
Impact
The move comes as South Africa confronts the growing environmental cost of traditional SIM cards, which are made from non-biodegradable materials.
FNB Connect CEO Sashin Sookroo says the environmental impact of SIM card waste is especially concerning in South Africa where preloaded SIMs are often distributed for promotional purposes but end up unused and discarded.
“This contributes to the growing burden of plastic and metal waste in our landfills and water bodies.
‘FNB Connect’s intent is to change this, and our approach ensures that we don’t just encourage SIM uptake, but we promote meaningful usage to reduce unnecessary waste and support a more sustainable future,” said Sookroo.
Reducing waste
According to FNB, each standard SIM weighs about 1.8 grams, and millions are discarded globally every year.
“In South Africa, this translates to hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste entering landfills annually. Standard SIM cards are effectively small items that leave a huge footprint.”
FNB Sustainability Head Kival Singh said South Africa reportedly generates around 2.4 million tonnes of plastic waste every year.
“Of that, only about 14% is said to be recycled,” said Singh. “So, as a responsible financial institution, we are well-placed to set a new standard so that every time a customer picks up this new SIM card and packaging, they receive the powerful message that sustainability can be built into convenience.”
Transition
FNB Connect said its new SIM cards are made from eco-friendly materials and use roughly 50% less packaging, which is now fully recyclable and sustainably sourced.
It expects the transition to have a positive environmental impact by cutting plastic waste, storage requirements and logistics emissions over time.
FNB said the initiative also supports its wider goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions in South Africa by 2030.
