Eco SIM and sustainability, making mobile technology greener

Telecel Ghana has introduced its first Eco SIM, a biodegradable card made from 90% less plastic than traditional SIMs. The new SIM delivers the same voice, data, and MoMo services as regular cards, but with a significantly reduced environmental impact. The Trusted Connectivity Alliance states that approximately 3.5 billion physical SIMs were produced in 2025, averaging 292 million cards per month, 67 million per week, 9.6 million daily, and 111 every second.

G+D, a leading global SIM manufacturer, estimates that SIMs shipped in 2023 alone contributed to nearly 16,000 tonnes of plastic waste and around 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equating to about 4 grams of plastic per card. Ghana, known for generating 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, only recovers around 5% for recycling. This leaves the rest to pollute water bodies and drains.

With more than 43 million active mobile SIMs in the country as of February 2026, outnumbering the population, Ghana is a prime location for this initiative. Every million Eco SIMs distributed would prevent approximately 3.8 tonnes of plastic from entering the environment. If the entire 43 million active SIM base in Ghana were replaced through normal turnover, it would avoid around 163 tonnes of plastic waste from entering waterways and drains.

For customers, the Eco SIM offers no learning curve, as it fits any phone like a regular SIM. Voice, data, MoMo, and roaming capabilities remain unchanged. The Eco SIM meets the same technical standards as conventional plastic cards, ensuring no compromise on quality. It is a mature and proven technology that requires only one decision at a shop or agent, with the benefit lasting throughout the line's life.

Telecel's Consumer Business Director, Aneth Muga, describes it as "putting climate action directly in customers' hands," transforming an abstract ESG commitment into a tangible reality that customers can hold and display.

Telecel’s Eco SIM is part of a broader sustainability strategy. The company has already transitioned 16 network exchanges to solar power and planted over 40,000 trees across national reserves. Similarly, MTN Ghana is also launching biodegradable SIMs as part of its sustainability efforts. This competitive pressure among telcos is driving environmental responsibility, ultimately benefiting customers by providing them with greener options.

To maximize the impact, Telecel should make Eco SIMs the default option at every telecommunications shop and agent, rather than requiring customers to request them. Operators should also publicly report quarterly data on Eco SIM shipments and the tonnes of plastic avoided. This transparency would foster accountability and reduce the potential for greenwashing claims.

Additionally, implementing systematic collection of old plastic SIMs, by placing collection bins in every service center, would complete the closed-loop system.

The SIM card, despite being the smallest product a telco sells, is the one item customers interact with daily. By focusing on this seemingly insignificant product, Telecel has made a significant step towards reducing plastic pollution in a country already plagued by environmental challenges. This initiative demonstrates that even small decisions can lead to substantial positive change. Customers are encouraged to swap their SIMs and contribute to this greener future.