Kia Manufactures Automotive Accessory Using Plastic Recycled from the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch
Kia Unveils Limited-Edition Trunk Liner Made from Recycled Ocean Plastic
Kia Corporation has made a significant stride in sustainable mobility, announcing the production of a limited-edition trunk liner made from recycled plastic extracted from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). This innovative accessory is designed for the all-new Kia EV3 SUV.
The plastic used in the trunk liner comes specifically from ocean waste collected in the GPGP, an area in the North Pacific Ocean with an estimated surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers filled with discarded floating debris. This effort aligns with Kia’s strategic partnership with The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing plastic waste from oceans. Kia supports this organization logistically, financially, and through advocacy.
This collaboration is a worldwide movement to create a cleaner, healthier oceans for future generations. Boyan Slat, Founder & CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, expressed gratitude for Kia’s shared vision of giving new life to ocean plastic. Charles Ryu, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Brand & CX Division at Kia, commented on the partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation between Kia and The Ocean Cleanup.
The limited-edition trunk liner will be available to order in line with the model's market introduction. Kia integrates other recycled materials in its vehicles as well, such as recycled fishing nets in the EV9's interior carpet and recycled plastic bottles in seat fabric, highlighting a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
The trunk liner is an aftermarket accessory still in development, so its availability may vary by region. The accessory is a part of Kia’s ongoing efforts to create a circular resource system for ocean plastic. Lessons learned during the recycling and product development process will be used to manufacture more sustainable items. The limited-edition trunk liner will be available for the EV3 in selected markets.
Kia’s partnership with The Ocean Cleanup continues to be a key part of Kia's transformation into a provider of sustainable mobility solutions. The limited-edition trunk liner launch is the first of many ways ocean plastic will be turned into sustainable items, marking a significant step towards a cleaner, greener future.
- In addition to the trunk liner, Kia incorporates various recycled materials, like fishing nets and plastic bottles, into other parts of their vehicles, demonstrating their commitment to environmental science and sustainability within the lifestyle of their technological advancements, such as electric vehicles like the EV3 and EV9.
- Semi-connected to the vision of combating climate-change, Kia's partnership with The Ocean Cleanup is a pivotal part of their strategic transition into a sustainable mobility provider, signifying a shift towards a greener future where technology, like electric vehicles, coexists harmoniously with the environment.
- Encouraging recycling and eco-conscious efforts, Kia's innovative use of ocean plastic in the manufacturing of accessories like the limited-edition trunk liner for the EV3 emphasizes the brand's participation in the larger movement for a cleaner, healthier environment, bringing environmental science into the forefront of modern lifestyle choices and technology adaptation.
