The new FNB Connect SIM cards use a reduced-plastic design, replacing the traditional full plastic carrier with a paper-based cardboard, while the packaging is made from high-grade, recyclable paperboard rather than plastic laminate. The move comes as South Africa confronts the growing environmental cost of traditional SIM cards, which are made from non-biodegradable materials, says FNB Connect.

Sashin Sookroo CEO of FNB Connect says the environmental impact of SIM card waste is especially concerning in South Africa where preloaded SIMs are often distributed for promotional purposes but end up unused and discarded.

"This contributes to the growing burden of plastic and metal waste in our landfills and water bodies. FNB Connect's intent is to change this, and our approach ensures that we don't just encourage SIM uptake, but we promote meaningful usage to reduce unnecessary waste and support a more sustainable future," says Sookroo.

This builds on FNB Connect's eSIM launch in December 2024, which made it the first bank-led mobile virtual network (MVNO) in South Africa to offer fully digital activation. Together, these advancements aim to show how FNB Connect is rethinking connectivity, including how SIMs are made and how they are used, to make technology work better for people and the planet, adds FNB Connect.

"When we launched the eSIM last year, we gave customers a completely digital way to stay connected, removing the need for plastic SIM cards altogether," says Sookroo. "But we know many South Africans still use physical SIMs, so we want to make those more sustainable too. Our new eco-friendly SIM cards and recyclable packaging mean that customers can connect with reduced negative impact on the planet."

Reducing Waste, One SIM Card at a Time

Each standard SIM weighs about 1.8 grams, and millions are discarded globally every year. In South Africa, this translates to hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste entering landfills annually. Standard SIM cards aim to be effectively small items that leave a huge footprint, says FNB Connect.

"South Africa reportedly generates around 2.4-million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Of that, only about 14% is said to be recycled," says Kival Singh, Head of Sustainability at FNB. "So, as a responsible financial institution, we are well-placed to set a new standard so that every time a customer picks up this new SIM card and packaging, they receive the powerful message that sustainability can be built into convenience. We endeavour to create sustainable practices in our entire value chain and this initiative is another demonstration of our commitments to a sustainable future for all."

FNB Connect's new SIM cards are made from eco-friendly materials and use roughly 50% less packaging, which is now fully recyclable and sustainably sourced. The lighter design also reduces transport emissions and aims to prove that small design changes can have a meaningful impact, adds FNB Connect.

FNB Connect expects this transition to have a positive environmental impact by cutting plastic waste, storage requirements and logistics emissions over time. The initiative also supports FNB's wider goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions in South Africa by 2030, says FNB Connect.

"We have an opportunity to contribute to sustainable mobile communication," adds Sookroo. "Every small change matters. Whether customers choose an eSIM or our new eco-friendly SIM, they're helping us move toward a cleaner, smarter future."

A Future Built on Responsible Innovation

FNB Connect continues to use technology to simplify everyday life while reducing its environmental impact. The brand's sustainability efforts form part of a broader movement across the FNB ecosystem to help customers make choices that are good for them and good for the planet, says FNB Connect.

"Our customers care about value, convenience and doing the right thing," concludes Sookroo. "By rethinking something as simple as a SIM card, we're demonstrating that innovation can be both practical and purposeful."

For more information, visit www.fnb.co.za. You can also follow FNB on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of contributor