Problem
Partnership
To address this issue, Virgin Mobile MEA consulted its long-term partner of twelve years, Workz, with whom it had introduced a series of initiatives over the years to reduce its environmental footprint across its full supply chain.
Solution
Virgin Mobile MEA, with two brands across four countries in the Middle East, adopted a leading role in addressing the plastic issue in telecoms by becoming one of the first mobile network operators in the region to adopt a biodegradable SIM card for its subscribers.
Workz EcoSIM is made from an oxo-biodegradable plastic it breaks down into tiny pieces and degrades in a landfill in just 18-30 months. This offers a significant improvement when compared to the estimated hundreds of years normal plastics take to decompose. The new SIM offering for Virgin subscribers supported the operator’s company commitment to become carbon negative.
As consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, the onus is on companies to innovate and introduce sustainable alternatives to ensure a collective effort towards building a better future. Our new sustainable SIM cards are another key step in the right direction.
Rob Beswick, Managing Director for Virgin Mobile UAE
We’re delighted to have achieved yet another market-first with Virgin. We are currently seeing a sharp rise in interest from network operators worldwide for more sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable SIMs and eSIM – this can only be a good thing. What this project with Virgin demonstrates is, that with a dynamic, forward-thinking approach, just how quick and significant the impact can be.
Tor Malmros, CEO for Workz
Benefits of Eco SIM
- SIM card body consists of biodegradable (and recyclable) PVC which decomposes approximately 400 times faster than traditional SIM cards
- Recycled paper packaging and collateral option
- Reusable wooden pallets for transportation
- Supply chain optimisation to reduce carbon emissions
Learn more about how telcos can provide subscribers with more sustainable SIM offerings.
Media coverage of Virgin announcement
Virgin social media launch campaign
