MTN Eswatini has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability by introducing the country’s first-ever paper-based biodegradable SIM cards.
This innovative move underscores the company’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions, marking a new era in telecommunications that prioritizes environmental responsibility.
This move to paper-based SIM cards aligns with Eswatini’s Environment Management Act 5 of 2002, Section 5 (b), (c) and (e), showcasing the company’s commitment to a greener future.
The SIM cards, referred to as “bioSIMs,” are made from 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, sourced from responsibly managed forests. Unlike traditional plastic SIM cards, bioSIMs will naturally biodegrade over time.
Wandile Mtshali, MTN Chief Executive Officer said, “MTN is a company deeply rooted in Eswatini, we are acutely aware of the environmental challenges our planet faces. We are committed to being part of the solution, and the launch of our paper-based biodegradable SIM cards for our customers is a prime example of how we are replacing one-time-use plastic with biodegradable materials. Testament to our dedication to sustainable business practices and reducing our environmental impact.”
This initiative complements MTN’s existing eSIM/digital SIM offerings, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Globally, the production and disposal of plastic poses a serious threat to ecosystems, with the telecoms industry alone producing 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards in 2020.
Since the launch of MTN Project Zero in 2021, MTN Eswatini has taken significant strides in sustainability efforts, such as: swapping diesel-powered generators in our base transceiver stations (BTS) with energy efficient generators, replacing acid-lead batteries with energy efficient generators lithium batteries; introducing 100 per cent solar powered lights at the MTN Warehouse in Matsapha and MTN headquarters’ parking lots; and server virtualization at the Data Centre to reduce physical server footprint continues in 2024 . These initiatives contribute to the broader MTN Group goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Eswatini Environment Authority Executive Director Gcina Dladla said, “EEA supports this Circular Economy approach by MTN. By eliminating plastic based SIM cards, MTN is making a huge contribution to the fight against plastic pollution and micro plastics.”
It is not compulsory for customers to change their SIM now, but the new bioSIMs will be issued when the need to do a SIM swap arises to that particular customer.
MTN remains steadfast in its commitment to lead digital solutions for Eswatini’s progress and is continually exploring ways to integrate sustainable practices into its operations. The launch of these paper-based biodegradable SIM cards is just one of many initiatives MTN is undertaking to achieve its sustainability goals.
The Environment Management Act 5 of 2002
Section 5: Environmental Principles
Environmental principles in achieving the purpose of this Act, the following principles shall be applied:
(b) adverse effects should be prevented and minimised through long term integrated planning and the co-ordination, integration and co-operation of efforts, which consider the entire environment as a whole entity;
(c) the precautionary principle, which requires that where there is a risk of serious or irreversible adverse effects occurring, a lack of scientific certainty should not prevent or impair the taking of precautionary measures to protect the environment;
(e) the generation of waste should be minimised wherever practicable; waste should, in order of priority, be re-used, recycled, recovered and disposed of safely in a manner that avoids creating adverse effects or if this is not practicable, is least likely to cause adverse effects.
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