PVC SIM Cards: A Sustainable Shift in the Telecommunications Industry’s Path to Net Zero Emissions

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interviewwith Rahul Tandon, Senior VP – Connectivity Services, India, IDEMIA Secure Transactions

Ques: How significant is the environmental impact of virgin plastic SIM cards, and what specific aspects contribute to their pollution throughout their lifecycle?

Ans: Producing virgin plastic consumes considerable energy and water, adding to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. After their use, virgin plastic SIM cards often end up in landfills, releasing toxins and greenhouse gases. Moreover, it takes hundreds of years to degrade fully, worsening pollution and environmental harm. Overall, the entire lifecycle of virgin plastic SIM cards contributes to pollution, emphasizing the need to shift towards sustainable alternatives like recycled materials.

Ques: Could you elaborate on the environmental benefits of PVC SIM cards compared to virgin plastic ones?

Ans: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) SIM cards present significant environmental benefits compared to virgin plastic variants. Their recyclability enables reuse, reducing the demand for new plastic production and cutting down on landfill waste. Additionally, PVC manufacturing typically consumes less energy and resources than that of virgin plastic, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact. PVC’s durability and longevity also extend the lifespan of SIM cards, reducing the frequency of replacements and limiting waste accumulation. Furthermore, the adoption of PVC SIM cards promotes a circular economy by encouraging material recycling and repurposing, fostering a more sustainable approach to plastic usage.

Ques: What motivated IDEMIA Secure Transactions to assist Airtel in transitioning from virgin plastic to recycled PVC SIM cards?

Ans: IDEMIA’s GREENCONNECT solution aims to assist Mobile Operators in reducing their Scope 3 carbon emissions. By working with Airtel to minimize the carbon footprint of the products supplied to the mobile operator, IDEMIA is actively supporting Airtel’s environmental goals. Underscoring IDEMIA’s commitment to fostering a sustainable future by encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly practices across sectors.

Ques: What are the key advantages of recycled PVC SIM cards in terms of durability and resistance to wear and tear?

Ans: Recycled PVC SIM cards maintain comparable technical capabilities to those crafted from virgin plastic, ensuring they endure daily usage without compromising their structural integrity. This seamless transition from virgin plastic to recycled PVC offers a functional advantage for both mobile operators and subscribers, as performance remains consistent. Moreover, employing recycled materials often leads to cost savings for manufacturers, which can then be passed on to consumers, rendering recycled PVC SIM cards economically beneficial. With their sturdy construction, these cards typically boast a longer lifespan compared to traditional PVC or alternative materials, thereby reducing the likelihood of cracking, warping, or damage through regular use. Overall, integrating recycled PVC into SIM cards provides a sustainable solution without compromising durability or resistance to wear and tear, making them an appealing option for environmentally conscious consumers and manufacturers alike.

Ques: Can you explain how the adoption of recycled PVC SIM cards contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

Ans: IDEMIA conducted an external Lifecycle analysis which demonstrates that for a similar card format and module design, the impact associated with the transition from virgin plastic to recycled plastic represents a reduction of 18% of the product’s carbon footprint. An industry first in India, Airtel recycled PVC sim card is aimed at limiting the generation of over 165 tons of virgin plastic which will further reduce the generation of over 690 tons of CO2 equivalent in one year.

Ques: Could you provide insights into the process of manufacturing and recycling PVC SIM cards compared to virgin plastic ones?

Ans: The manufacturing process for both PVC and virgin plastic SIM cards involves several stages, though they differ in material composition and recycling potential. PVC SIM cards involve blending PVC resin, plasticizers, stabilizers, and additives to create desired properties, followed by extrusion into thin sheets, embedding electronic components, cutting, and packaging. In contrast, virgin plastic SIM cards are made from petroleum or natural gas-derived polymers, melted, and molded into shape. While both follow similar manufacturing steps, PVC SIM cards are more readily recyclable due to PVC’s thermoplastic nature, requiring shredding, melting, and reforming for recycling, resulting in lower carbon emissions. Conversely, recycling virgin plastic SIM cards is complex due to material purity issues, presenting hurdles for sustainable disposal. IDEMIA advocates recycling across its product range, promoting the integration of recycled materials into offerings, and emphasizing PVC SIM cards as a more environmentally friendly option.

Ques: How do PVC SIM cards fit into the broader goal of achieving net zero emissions in India? 

Ans: PVC SIM cards contribute to India’s endeavor to achieve net zero emissions by providing a more environmentally sustainable alternative to other materials. Their recyclability and reduced energy consumption in manufacturing help lower the carbon footprint linked with telecommunications infrastructure. The adoption of PVC SIM cards corresponds with India’s initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and move towards a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled, consequently reducing waste and emissions. Moreover, by decreasing reliance on virgin plastic production and addressing plastic pollution through appropriate disposal and recycling methods, PVC SIM cards further India’s broader sustainability goals within the telecommunications sector.

Ques: What challenges did IDEMIA face during the transition from virgin plastic to recycled PVC SIM cards, and how were they overcome?

Ans: The sourcing of recycled material is a bit of a challenge as recycling raw materials requires specialized industrial processes. Also transitioning from virgin plastic to recycled PVC for SIM cards demands a concerted effort and strategic collaboration.

Ques: Are there any regulatory or policy frameworks in place that support the adoption of sustainable alternatives like recycled PVC SIM cards?

Ans: Many countries have implemented regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws to promote the use of recycled materials and reduce plastic waste. The European Green Deal aims to make the European Union climate-neutral by 2050 and promotes waste reuse, reduction, and recycling through diverse policies and strategies. India aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070, with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions by 1 billion tons and lowering carbon intensity below 45 percent by 2030.

Ques: How do consumers perceive and respond to the shift from virgin plastic to recycled PVC SIM cards in terms of environmental consciousness?

Ans. Numerous companies and individuals are growing more concerned about the environmental repercussions of plastic waste, actively seeking eco-friendly substitutes. Hence, the shift towards recycled PVC SIM cards resonates with consumers’ aspirations to minimize plastic usage and endorse sustainable methods.