Kia Corporation has announced the development of the world’s first car accessory crafted from plastic sourced from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), marking a significant milestone in its partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. This innovative accessory, a limited-edition trunk liner for the all-new Kia EV3, underscores Kia’s commitment to sustainability and its ongoing transformation into a leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions.
The announcement comes as part of Kia’s long-term collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation focused on removing plastic waste from the world’s oceans. Since 2022, Kia has been actively supporting the group, which aims to develop and implement technologies for cleaning oceanic plastic pollution. This partnership reflects Kia’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices within the automotive industry and beyond.
The limited-edition trunk liner will be available for the Kia EV3 in selected markets, aligning with the vehicle’s market introduction. Charles Ryu, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Brand & CX Division at Kia, expressed his pride in the collaboration. “This partnership is not only a testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation, but a worldwide movement to create cleaner, healthier oceans for future generations,” Ryu stated.
The trunk liner represents one of the most significant achievements of the Kia and The Ocean Cleanup partnership to date. It is the first genuine Kia accessory manufactured using reclaimed ocean plastic. Ryu emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are proud to see tangible progress made toward creating a circular resource system for ocean plastic. We will leverage the lessons learned during the recycling and product development process to continue to manufacture useful and beneficial products for our customers using ocean plastic retrieved and provided by The Ocean Cleanup.”
Boyan Slat, the Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, praised Kia’s commitment to sustainability. “We are so grateful to have a visionary and passionate partner in Kia, who shares our vision of ensuring that the plastic we extract from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is given a new life in sustainable items,” he remarked. Slat added that this initiative represents just the beginning of their efforts to transform ocean plastic from waste into valuable products.
The collaboration between Kia and The Ocean Cleanup not only highlights the automotive industry’s role in addressing environmental challenges but also sets a precedent for future innovations in sustainability. As global awareness of plastic pollution increases, partnerships like this one pave the way for more eco-friendly products and practices in various sectors.
Kia’s introduction of the trunk liner made from ocean plastic is part of a broader strategy to enhance its sustainability efforts and to encourage other industries to consider similar initiatives. The company aims to continue innovating and expanding its range of products made from recycled materials, contributing to a cleaner planet while offering practical solutions to consumers.
The launch of the trunk liner is anticipated with excitement, both for its innovative design and its environmental impact. As Kia continues to partner with organisations dedicated to ocean preservation, it sets an example for the automotive industry in embracing sustainability and creating a circular economy. For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com