Have you ever thought that just by changing your mobile SIM, you could help the world? By switching from a SIM card to an eSIM, you can help the world more than you might think.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is already built into your device. You can activate it instantly by simply scanning a QR code or an activation code. There’s no difference in the quality or functionality compared to a physical SIM card; the only difference is how you install it on your phone.
There are two main reasons why you should switch from a physical SIM card to an eSIM: the production process and the sheer volume of SIM cards being produced each year.
The report from 1GLOBAL in 2025 shows that about 4.5 billion SIM cards are produced annually. Even though each card is small, they collectively create a massive amount of plastic waste. The report states that in just one year, these small SIM cards generate up to 18,000 tons of non-recyclable and non-biodegradable waste.
In addition to the production process, the industry also has to deal with shipping and plastic waste management, both of which have a significant impact on the environment. The report also mentions that the telecommunications industry alone is responsible for 4% of the world’s total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—a massive amount that is twice as much as the aviation industry.
How Can an eSIM Help the World?
As you now know, an eSIM is a digital SIM card created to replace the old physical SIM card. It’s a tiny chip that’s embedded directly into your phone instead of being a plastic card you can insert or remove. This means you can’t take your eSIM out and put it into another phone.
However, the encryption data on an eSIM can be rewritten, allowing you to change networks without having to get a new SIM card. By using an eSIM, the need for physical SIM cards is greatly reduced, which in turn cuts down on manufacturing processes and helps the telecommunications industry lower its pollution and carbon emissions—a major cause of global warming.
So, by simply switching to an eSIM, you’re making a small but meaningful difference for the planet.
With this new understanding, why not take a look at what an eSIM looks like and what packages are available? Click here to find out!
