Globe debuts first Eco-SIM in Asia

Globe debuts the first-ever Eco-SIM cards in Asia for its postpaid mobile customers.

According to Globe, SIM cards are among the smallest consumer items in the world, weighing around 4g each. However, with approximately 4.5 billion SIM cards manufactured every year, their combined weight represents an estimated 20,000 tons of plastic and other polymers, or the equivalent weight of 4,000 jeepneys.

Together with its partner, Thales, Globe has deployed Eco-SIM cards starting November 2021, made from 100% recycled materials including polystyrene waste from refrigerators, pivoting this waste stream from landfills.

Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations. Thales has been in the Philippines since 2010, and is a strategic partner to key customers in the civil aviation, defense, digital security, air traffic management, and ground transportation sectors.

Thales is also helping Globe meet its ambitions for cutting e-waste, reducing its carbon footprint, and contributing to sustainability in the Philippines.

“In order for us to truly move the needle in the fight against climate change, we all must take on the responsibility to act sustainably. This partnership with the Thales Group not only enables us to come up with a solution for our telco business, but it also gives our customers the opportunity to step up and choose to live more sustainably,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications.

To recap, in 2018, the telco was also the first in the country to introduce electronic SIMs or eSIM, as another alternative to the physical SIM cards. eSIMs are digital SIMs embedded in compatible mobile phone models, enabling its users to manage multiple profiles using different mobile numbers on just one device and effortlessly switch lines that fit their purpose. It also allows gadgets like smartphones and smartwatches to be connected under one mobile number.