TCA sets first common lifecycle rules for SIM & eSIM

Trusted Connectivity Alliance has published common lifecycle assessment methodologies for SIM and eSIM products, describing the framework as the first industry-led approach of its kind.

The methodologies are intended to give mobile operators, connectivity providers and device manufacturers a single basis for assessing the environmental impact of SIM and eSIM products. Differing assessment methods have made it harder to compare environmental claims and maintain transparency across supply chains, the association said.

TCA developed the framework with SE Advisory Services, Schneider Electric's consulting practice. It sets out a common method for assessing and communicating environmental performance across physical SIM cards and eSIM products.

The approach is based on principles from the European Union's Product Environmental Footprint Method. Under that structure, the methodologies define category rules for SIM and eSIM products and assess each product across its full lifecycle.

That lifecycle covers raw material extraction, processing, distribution, storage, use, and disposal or recycling. The scope is intended to provide a cradle-to-grave view of environmental effects rather than a partial measurement focused only on manufacturing.

The association also set a clear boundary on how the methodologies should be used: they are not designed to compare the environmental performance of SIM and eSIM products, either from the same manufacturer or across different manufacturers.

Industry pressure

The move comes as telecoms groups and suppliers face growing pressure to show progress against climate and sustainability targets. Operators have set goals tied to emissions and waste reduction, while suppliers are under greater scrutiny over how product claims are measured and reported.

In the SIM sector, that pressure has been matched by product changes aimed at cutting material use and reducing waste. Smaller card formats and shifts in raw materials have become part of the industry's response, particularly in markets where operators are pushing suppliers to show measurable environmental improvements.

TCA linked the new methodologies to the need for more consistent reporting across global value chains. A common framework could help buyers and suppliers work from the same assumptions when discussing product impacts, even if it is not intended as a tool for direct product ranking.

Frédéric Moreira, chair of the TCA Sustainability Working Group, said: "As the connectivity industry continues to advance sustainability initiatives, the release of the TCA methodologies marks an important step forward - establishing a consistent and credible framework for assessing environmental impact that stands to promote increased trust and transparency throughout global value chains."

Guido Abate, chair of the TCA Board, added: "As a global industry association comprising the world's leading SIM and eSIM providers, TCA has a proven record built over decades of promoting interoperability. Applying this expertise and experience to developing common lifecycle assessments will help to support more sustainable solutions and practices across the connectivity ecosystem."

Market trends

The release follows updated market monitoring data from TCA pointing to continued changes in the physical SIM market. According to the association, 45% of all SIM volumes collectively reported by members were in the half-SIM format, up from 37% a year earlier.

In Europe, more than 40% of SIM volumes were manufactured using what TCA described as eco-friendly raw materials. The data also pointed to similar movement in emerging markets, where suppliers are adjusting product formats and material inputs.

Across the Middle East and Africa, the volume of SIMs made with eco-friendly raw materials more than doubled from the previous year, while shipments in the half-SIM format rose 40%.

The publication reflects a broader shift in the telecoms supply chain as environmental reporting moves from broad commitments to more standardised methods. In an industry built on global sourcing, large production volumes and long procurement chains, agreement on measurement rules may become as important as the product changes themselves.

TCA said the methodologies are available to industry participants, including operators, manufacturers and other companies involved in the SIM and eSIM market.