The use of recycled materials in a special industrial
production process will eliminate the need for close to 5,000 metric tonnes of
virgin plastic a year, and will help to meet the ambitious sustainable
development objectives of the Thales Group and the mobile phone operators that
use its products.
The polymer plastic found in high concentrations in waste
electrical and electronic equipment is processed at Veolia's recycling plant in
France. Thales engineers have worked with Veolia’s experts to develop a special
process that uses this newly recycled material to manufacture SIM cards that
meet the mobile industry's requirements.
The Eco-SIM Card has a neutral carbon footprint as the CO2
emissions from the manufacturing process and electronic components that cannot
be recycled are fully offset by Thales's comprehensive carbon offset programme.
This will support mobile phone operators in their ecological transformation and
help address environmental concerns.
Anne le Guennec, Director of Veolia’s Waste activities in
France, said: "All of our everyday objects could soon be made from
recycled materials thanks to visionary, responsible companies like Thales.
The example of the SIM card offers a glimpse into the vast
field of possibilities opened up by eco-design. Our industrial ecology
services, as this circular economy loop, enable us to support our clients’
ecological transformation."
Emmanuel Unguran, Vice President, Mobile Connectivity
Solutions at Thales, added: "This innovation project with Veolia will support
our telecom customers in their ecological transition by transforming waste into
environmentally responsible SIM cards.
This long-term commitment is an integral part of the Group's
ambitious policy of sustainable development and social responsibility, and
offers mobile phone operators a new opportunity to enhance their value
proposition to consumers in terms of sustainability."