Airtel launches recycled PVC SIM card in partnership with IDEMIA

28-02-2024. Mumbai. Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecom service providers, today announced that it has launched SIM cards made from recycled plastic to replace SIM cards made from virgin plastic. The company has partnered with IDEMIA Secure Transactions for this. Airtel has always been committed to adopting eco-friendly and responsible circular business practices. In this context, Airtel has partnered with IDEMIA Secure Transactions, which is part of the IDEMIA Group. The group provides payments and connectivity solutions for financial institutions, mobile network operators and automotive manufacturers.

Airtel has become the first telecom company in the Indian telecom industry to launch SIM cards made from recycled plastic. Now recycled plastic will be used instead of virgin plastic in making SIM cards. This change will reduce the use of more than 165 tons of plastic in a year. Besides, emissions of more than 690 tonnes of carbon dioxide will also be reduced.

This change is a testament to Airtel's commitment to environmental protection and the company has taken many important steps in this direction. Airtel is working on new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by working with its suppliers and other business partners to encourage them to work towards environmental protection.

*Pankaj Miglani, Director, Supply Chain, Bharti Airtel said,* “We are happy to announce that we are taking yet another initiative at the forefront of the Indian telecom industry. As a brand, we are committed to environmental protection. We strive to adopt various sustainable measures and contribute significantly towards achieving India's net zero goal. Our collaboration with IDEMIA is a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable future."

Rahul Tandon, Senior Vice President – Connectivity Services, India, IDEMIA Secure Transactions, said, “We are proud of our long-term partnership with Airtel. We congratulate Airtel for taking the lead in reducing carbon footprint in India and providing green solutions to its customers. I would also like to thank all of our Research and Development teams for making such innovations possible.”