Here is what makes an eSIM better ⤵
Production
eSIMs produce 121g CO₂eq, compared to 136g CO₂eq for physical SIMs because physical SIM has materials such as the plastic card body, printing ink, and other materials. An eSIM is a digital SIM and needs none of this.
Distribution
eSIMs emit 0 CO₂eq during delivery and provisioning, while physical SIM distribution emits 31g CO₂eq on average in the shipping process to the end users.
Use phase
eSIMs consume less power due to their smaller size and the fact that the silicon element is soldered onto the device itself. A traditional SIM card, on the other hand, requires more energy and ends up emitting at least 15g CO₂eq.
End of Life
eSIMs contribute less to CO₂ emissions during recycling compared to physical SIMs since the eSIM is actually an embedded module and can be recycled to a higher extent along with the device itself whereas a physical SIM card may or may not be recycled and requires more treatment as well for recycling.
In general, an eSIM is 46% less polluting as per a comparative LCA study done for G+D.
In our journey so far our experience says the eSIM is not just nice for the planet but also elevates the experience for users. You do not need to wait anymore for SIM delivery or visit a store to provision your number.
UNDO has already activated 2786 eSIMs, which translates to avoiding nearly 170 KGs of CO₂eq.
To put things in perspective – this is almost the same as a round trip from Brussels ↔ Paris by a regular car 🚗 💨 💨
How much CO₂ does an eSIM save compared to a physical SIM card?
According to an independent LCA study conducted for G+D, an eSIM is on average 46% less polluting across its full lifecycle — from production to recycling.
Why does an eSIM produce less CO₂ during manufacturing?
An eSIM produces about 121g CO₂ versus 136g for a physical SIM, since it needs no plastic card body, printing ink, or packaging.
Does an eSIM also save on shipping emissions?
Yes — an eSIM emits 0g CO₂ during delivery and activation, while a physical SIM emits around 31g CO₂ on average during shipping.
How much CO₂ has UNDO avoided through eSIM so far?
Through its eSIM activations to date, UNDO has avoided nearly 170 kg of CO₂ — roughly the same as a round trip from Brussels to Paris by car.
How quickly is my eSIM activated at UNDO?
Within 30 seconds — scan a QR code and you’re online immediately, no shipping wait or store visit required.