Vodafone Connects Its Customers With Thales’ Eco-SIM Card

Rhea-AI Summary

Thales is set to supply Vodafone Group with Eco-SIM cards made from 100% recycled plastic sourced from discarded refrigerators. This innovative initiative aims to support Vodafone's environmental initiatives across ten countries in Europe and Africa. The Eco-SIM program is expected to save approximately 5,000 metric tonnes of virgin plastic annually, contributing to a circular economy. The Eco-SIM card has been certified carbon neutral, aligning with both companies' sustainability goals.

Positive

• Thales will supply Eco-SIM cards to Vodafone, promoting environmental sustainability.
• Expected annual savings of 5,000 metric tonnes of virgin plastic from the Eco-SIM program.
• The Eco-SIM card is certified carbon neutral, enhancing Thales and Vodafone's sustainability initiatives.

Negative

• None.

• Thales to supply Vodafone Group with eco-designed SIM cards made from recycled refrigerators.
• Millions of subscribers in Europe and Africa set to benefit from eco-responsible innovation.

PARIS LA DÉFENSE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Thales to supply Vodafone Group with Eco-SIM; a product whose card body is made out of 100% recycled plastic from refrigerator interiors. Vodafone initially plans to deploy Eco-SIM in ten countries¹ in Europe and Africa.

Credit Vodafone

Over 4.5 billion SIM cards are produced every year², representing 20,000 tons of plastic – the equivalent weight of two Eiffel towers. Developed in partnership with Veolia, the global leader in ecological transformation, the Thales Eco-SIM was launched in 2020 and is made from 100% recycled polystyrene recovered from discarded refrigerators. Offering a second life to the refrigerator interiors, Thales enabled an independent and exclusive green plastic supply flow to Vodafone.

Thales’ carbon offsetting program also ensures its innovative ‘green SIM’ is certified as carbon neutral³. As a result, the new contract will support Vodafone’s far-reaching plans for cutting e-waste, reducing its carbon footprint, and contributing to a circular economy.

“An individual SIM may be tiny, but in total our Eco-SIM manufacturing program will save nearly 5,000 metric tonnes of virgin plastic every year,” said Emmanuel Unguran, VP Mobile & Connectivity Solutions at Thales. “Just like Vodafone, Thales has developed transformative plans for environmental action. This new contract highlights the determination of both companies to recognize their responsibilities to the planet.”

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing – to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. The Group provides its customers – businesses, organisations and governments – in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions.

Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2020 the Group generated sales of €17 billion.

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¹ UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, the Netherlands (as VodafoneZiggo), and South Africa.
² ABI Research – September 2020
³ Thales’ Eco-SIM card is a CarbonNeutral® certified product in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the global standard for carbon neutral programmes.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211020006111/en/

Thales Media Relations

Digital Identity and Security

Vanessa Viala

+33 (0)6 07 34 00 34

vanessa.viala@thalesgroup.com

Source: Thales

FAQ

What is Thales supplying to Vodafone Group?

Thales is supplying Vodafone Group with Eco-SIM cards made from 100% recycled plastic.

What are the environmental benefits of Thales' Eco-SIM cards?

The Eco-SIM cards are expected to save about 5,000 metric tonnes of virgin plastic annually and are certified carbon neutral.

In which regions will Vodafone deploy Eco-SIM cards?

Vodafone plans to deploy Eco-SIM cards in ten countries across Europe and Africa.

What is the main material used for Eco-SIM cards?

Eco-SIM cards are made from 100% recycled plastic recovered from discarded refrigerators.

How does the Eco-SIM initiative contribute to sustainability?

The initiative supports a circular economy and reduces e-waste and carbon footprint.