KPN is the first Dutch provider to switch to ecosim
KPN is exchanging the traditional SIM card for the eco SIM. That is a new SIM card, which consists of 100 percent recycled plastic. KPN will deliver the ecosim in sustainable packaging in the coming weeks.
What is ecosim?
4.5 billion SIM cards are produced worldwide every year. KPN issues several million SIM cards per year to new and existing customers. The largest component of the SIM card is plastic. The ecosim is a more sustainable alternative to the current SIM card. This alternative replaces tons of plastic every year and can later be recycled for new purposes.
KPN is the first Dutch provider to introduce the ecosim and the telecom provider wants to be almost completely circular by 2025. The ecosim also contributes to this objective, KPN said in a press release.
Made from old fridges
The ecosim is made from old refrigerators because the plastic in those devices is not only strong but also flexible enough for processing into a full-fledged SIM card. In addition, the material can also be reprocessed for other purposes after its new life.
KPN hopes with this SIM card not only to reduce the mountain of plastic, but also goes further by no longer offering the SIM card in a plastic packaging. The packaging is made of FSC-friendly hard paper. “With this we also meet a legitimate wish of many customers in the field of sustainability. We see that more than half of the customers indicate that sustainability plays a role in the choice of their telecom provider.”
Even more sustainable
The most sustainable alternative is of course the eSIM, a digital alternative to the physical SIM card in our phones. The eSIM reduces plastic waste and, in the long run, eSIM can also save space in phone design when a SIM card slot is no longer required. Another advantage of eSIM is that with a SIM change you no longer have to wait for a new SIM card to be sent to you. You can also easily add multiple subscriptions to a phone.
KPN is drawing up the current stock of SIM cards and will supplement it with the new eco SIM cards. The first customers are expected to receive a recycled SIM card in a few weeks.
What do you think of the ecosim? What else could manufacturers and providers pay attention to in order to become fully circular? Let us know in the comments below this article.
