Kia's global partner, The Ocean Cleanup, has successfully retrieved an unprecedented 55 tons of ocean plastic from the Pacific Ocean. It’s a record-breaking for the organisation that sees the plastic collected to be recycled, with a portion of it slated for incorporation into future Kia electric vehicle (EV) models.
The Ocean Cleanup, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to combating plastic pollution in our oceans, uses an innovative system to capture plastic debris from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The GPGP is an enormous floating waste accumulation in our oceans spanning a staggering 1.6 million square kilometres – an area equivalent to three times the size of France. The plastic catch was brought ashore at Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada, where it will be processed for recycling.
Kia has implemented over 30 sustainable solutions across their products, including utilising recycled PET for fabrics and carpets, introducing a bio-based alternative leather, and adopting environmentally friendly paint. Kia's flagship all-electric SUV that is launching in New Zealand soon, the EV9, incorporates upcycled waste such as ocean-retrieved fishing nets in its floor carpets, showcasing the brand's dedication to responsible material usage.
Following the successful retrieval of the record-breaking plastic haul, The Ocean Cleanup revealed its next advancement: System 03. This technology, larger and more efficient than its predecessor, is designed to capture larger quantities of plastic debris at a lower cost per kilogram removed. With enhanced environmental monitoring and safety features, such as the Marine Animal Safety Hatch, System 03 represents a critical step toward The Ocean Cleanup's ambitious goal of eliminating 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.
"Kia's partnership with The Ocean Cleanup underscores our commitment to making a positive impact. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our transition to becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider and our broader Plan S strategy. By prioritizing both our customers' needs and environmental responsibility, we are actively contributing as responsible corporate citizens." Said Charles Ryu, Senior Vice President and Head of the Global Brand & CX Division at Kia Corp.
Nisha Bakker, Director Partnerships of The Ocean Cleanup, emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing plastic pollution: "Our partnership with valued supporters like Kia is essential for The Ocean Cleanup to turn our shared vision of plastic-free oceans into reality."
As Kia and The Ocean Cleanup continue to collaborate, it showcases the role the automotive industry takes in facilitating a cleaner, more sustainable future beyond just reducing tailpipe emissions.
