Indian Telecom Giant Takes a Pragmatic Step to Reduce Environmental Impact
Bharti Airtel, a major player in India’s telecommunications sector, has teamed up with IDEMIA Secure Transactions to implement a pragmatic environmental measure. In a move towards sustainability, Airtel has become the first telecom company in India to shift from conventional virgin plastic to recycled PVC for its SIM cards.
This transition is anticipated to result in a reduction of over 165 tonnes of virgin plastic usage, subsequently minimizing the emission of over 690 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Airtel’s decision is in line with its ongoing commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting circular business practices within the industry.
Pankaj Miglani, Director of Supply Chain at Bharti Airtel, expressed satisfaction, saying, “We are pleased to announce this step as part of our commitment to sustainable practices in the Indian telecom industry. Our collaboration with IDEMIA emphasizes our shared dedication to contributing to a sustainable future.”
Rahul Tandon, Senior VP of Connectivity Services, India at IDEMIA Secure Transactions, acknowledged Airtel’s move, stating, “Congratulations to Airtel for taking a pragmatic step in reducing the carbon footprint and providing environmentally friendly solutions to subscribers in India.”
Airtel’s shift to recycled PVC SIM cards aligns with the company’s broader strategy of reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 50.2% by FY 2030-31, using FY 2020-21 as the baseline year. Additionally, the company aims to cut absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 42% over the same period, focusing on initiatives like energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and enhanced waste management practices.
