Kia Launches World’s First Car Accessory Made from Ocean Plastic
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New Delhi: Kia Corporation has launched the world’s first car accessory, which is made out of plastic extracted from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The initiative is part of an ongoing partnership between Kia and The Ocean Cleanup, which is a non-profit organisation that works to remove plastic waste from the world’s oceans.
Kia will introduce a limited-edition trunk liner for the all-new Kia EV3 made using ocean plastic received from The Ocean Cleanup. The exclusive accessory will be available for EV3 in selected markets and available to order in line with the model’s market introduction.
Charles Ryu, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Brand & CX Division, Kia, said, “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.”
“As the first genuine Kia accessory made using reclaimed ocean plastic, 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,” he added
Available in select markets, the boot liner is made from 40% recycled ocean plastic and reflects Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy. Its geometric wave pattern symbolizes the flow of waste into the collection systems employed by The Ocean Cleanup to remove marine debris. Each product features a QR code that provides customers with detailed information about its creation and Kia’s partnership with The Ocean Cleanup.
Kia’s commitment to integrating recycled materials extends beyond the EV3 boot liner. The company has already incorporated recycled fishnets into the flooring of its flagship electric SUV, the EV9, and has used recycled plastic bottles for the seat fabrics in the same model. Similarly, the EV6 utilizes recycled plastics for its cloth and matting. This initiative is part of Kia’s broader goal to increase the proportion of recycled plastic in its vehicles to over 20% by 2030, aiming to establish a circular resource system for ocean plastic that contributes to marine conservation and reduces waste.
In contrast to ocean-bound plastic, which is easier to recycle, the plastic collected by The Ocean Cleanup undergoes a more stringent process. It is sorted, recycled, and processed to ensure it meets the quality standards required for automotive production. This process is verified under the Chain of Custody Standard, guaranteeing that the plastic’s origin and integrity are traceable and authentic.
This development represents not only a significant milestone for Kia but also a clear example of how automotive companies can contribute to environmental conservation while maintaining the quality and functionality of their products.
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