SEOUL: Kia has developed the first-ever car accessory made from plastic extracted from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) through its partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. This milestone, part of Kia’s ongoing transformation into a sustainable mobility provider, includes a limited-edition trunk liner for the new Kia EV3. The liner, made from 40% recycled ocean plastic, will be available in select markets, including the UK.
Since 2022, Kia has supported The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation dedicated to removing plastic from the world's oceans. The collaboration has focused on turning ocean plastic into durable, practical products, with the trunk liner being the first tangible result.
The liner’s design, inspired by Kia’s "Opposites United" philosophy, mimics waves and the flow of trash into a collection area. Each liner comes with a QR code providing details about the product's development.
Kia’s executive vice president Charles Ryu emphasised the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, stating the accessory is a step towards creating a circular system for ocean plastic. Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, praised Kia's partnership in giving ocean plastic new life.
Kia has also integrated recycled materials in other models, such as the EV9 and EV6, as part of its sustainability goals. The company aims to increase the use of recycled plastics in its vehicles to over 20% by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to a circular economy.
