Vodafone halves size of SIM card holders to cut plastic waste

Vodafone said it intends to replace its standard credit card-sized SIM holder with a new half-sized format as part of a wider strategy to significantly lower the company's use of all non-essential plastics. The new half-sized SIM cards will be rolled out to customers in several European markets from the beginning of 2020 and will progressively replace the use of full-sized card holders across all of the company’s 24 markets, said Vodafone, adding that this initiative alone will reduce its plastic waste by more than 340 tonnes a year.

The operator also announced that from Christmas 2019 all Vodafone stores will offer customers a range of eco-friendly accessories under the label 'Red Loves Green'. These will include 100 percent biodegradable or recyclable phone cases made from, for example, reused ocean plastic, plus charging banks and docks made from sustainable materials and plastic-free packaging.  Vodafone plans to expand its range of 'Red Loves Green' products at retail throughout 2020.

These and other initiatives such as the recent deal to sell the ethical and sustainable Fairphone 3 smartphone are designed to align with Vodafone's purpose to improve the lives of 1 billion people while halving its environmental impact by 2025.  This commitment by Vodafone includes halving its carbon footprint and purchasing all electricity from renewable sources by 2025.