Virgin Mobile UAE, a subsidiary of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), announced today that it is the first telecom brand in the UAE to launch new biodegradable SIM cards. The move is consistent with the UAE’s vision of developing a vibrant new green economy that will provide the world with a one-of-a-kind model for sustainable development.
The new Virgin Mobile biodegradable sim cards are the most environmentally friendly option for customers whose devices do not yet support eSIMs, which do not require any plastic at all. As part of the company’s commitment to sustainability and its mission of becoming carbon negative, Virgin Mobile UAE will gradually phase out single-use plastic SIM cards.
The new biodegradable SIM is made of an oxo-biodegradable plastic that degrades slowly in the presence of oxygen and UV light. When placed in a landfill, the degradation process can be completed in as little as 4-6 months. When compared to the estimated hundreds of years it takes for normal plastics to decompose, this represents a significant improvement.
Every year, it is estimated that at least 14 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean, wreaking havoc on fragile ecosystems. Despite its small size, each SIM card must be punched out of a credit-card-sized plastic sheet, which is then discarded, adding to the telecommunications industry’s plastic waste. This waste is increasing as consumers demand more SIM cards.
Currently, Virgin Mobile UAE customers can use their app to convert their physical SIM card to an eSIM card from the comfort of their own home or office. eSIMs are also available through Virgin Mobile’s unique home delivery service, which allows new customers with an eSIM compatible device to activate their Virgin Mobile eSIM by downloading the Virgin Mobile app from the Play Store or App store, selecting their preferred number, or transferring their current one from another network.
