Over 10 Million EcoSIM Cards Delivered to Mobile Operators Worldwide

PARIS, November 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Oberthur Technologies, the world's second largest provider of Smart Card based solutions announced today the successful deployment of EcoSIM - the first patented eco-friendly SIM card in the market. Following the soft launch earlier this year, over 10 million cards were delivered to mobile network operators worldwide.

This new SIM card is half the size of a classic SIM and reduces the amount of plastics used by 50 percent. The carbon-dioxide generated per card is reduced from 16g to 8g. EcoSIM not only reduces plastics but reduces the carbon footprint for transport and overall waste through environmentally friendly packaging using the recycled paper and PEFC[1] and FSC[2] certified materials.

Until now, SIM cards were produced on sheets of plastic using a credit card size format. The patented process allows for the manufacturing of two SIM cards on a single sheet of plastic instead of one.

"EcoSIM, demonstrates that innovation goes beyond technological advances and can help to reduce the environmental footprint for both our customers and end users. We are encouraged by the interest shown in an eco-friendly SIM card by our customers," said Xavier Drilhon, Managing Director, Card Systems Division at Oberthur Technologies.

EcoSIM and the full range of environmentally friendly packaging materials will be showcased at the Oberthur Technologies stand 3G001 at the CARTES & Identification exhibition from November 17 - 19th in Paris.

About Oberthur Technologies

With sales of 879 million Euros in 2008, Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies. Innovation and high quality services ensure Oberthur Technologies' strong positioning in its main target markets:

    - Card Systems: One of the world's leading providers of
      security and identification based on smart card technology and
      associated services for mobile, payment, transport, digital TV and
      convergence markets.

    - Identity: International player for the manufacture and
      personalization of secure identity documents such as passport, identity
      card, driving license or health care card - traditional and electronic
      - and associated services for both governmental and corporate markets.

    - Fiduciary printing: World's third largest private security
      printer specialized in high security for the production of banknotes,
      checks and other fiduciary documents in more than fifty countries.

    - Cash protection: World leader in the emerging market of
      intelligent systems to secure cash-in-transit and ATM.

Close to its customers, Oberthur Technologies benefits from an industrial and commercial presence across all five continents.

Oberthur Technologies S.A. is a limited liability company (societe anonyme) registered in France with its registered office at 50 quai Michelet 92 532 Levallois Perret, France. Oberthur Technologies S.A.'s corporate registration number is 340 709 534 R.C.S. Paris.

Website: http://www.oberthur.com ---------------------------------

[1] The PEFC Council (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, founded in 1999 which promotes sustainable managed forests through independent third party certification. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the sustainable management of forests.

[2] FSC Forest Stewardship Council - is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests.

SOURCE Oberthur Technologies

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