FNB Connect has introduced eco-friendly SIM cards, made possible by biodegradable SIM card carriers, and recyclable packaging.
The new FNB Connect 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.
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
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.
“South Africa reportedly generates around 2,4-million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Of that, only about 14% is said to be recycled,” says FNB sustainability head Kival 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.”