Go Green: Virgin Mobile Biodegradable SIM The new biodegradable SIM is made from an oxo-biodegradable plastic that breaks down into tiny pieces and slowly degrades in the presence of oxygen and ultraviolet light.

By Tamara Clarke Edited by Aby Sam Thomas

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Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile UAE has introduced a new biodegradable sim card as a sustainable option for its customers in the country whose devices cannot yet accept eSIMs while requiring no plastic at all.

The new biodegradable SIM is made from an oxo-biodegradable plastic that breaks down into tiny pieces and slowly degrades in the presence of oxygen and ultraviolet light. When placed in a landfill, the degradation process can take as little as 4-6 months.

This offers a significant improvement when compared to the estimated hundreds of years normal plastics can take to decompose. Virgin Mobile UAE will progressively phase out single-use plastic SIM cards as part of the company's commitment to being sustainable and contributing to its mission of being carbon negative.

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Tamara Clarke

Columnist

Tamara Clarke, a former software development professional, is the tech and lifestyle enthusiast behind The Global Gazette, one of the most active blogs in the Middle East. The Global Gazette has been welcomed and lauded by some of the most influential tech brands in the region. Clarke’s goal is to inform about technology and how it supports our lifestyles. See her work both in print regional publications and online on her blog where she discusses everything from how a new gadget improves day-to-day life to how to coordinate your smartphone accessories. Visit www.theglobalgazette.com and talk to her on Twitter @TamaraClarke. #TamTalksTech 
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