Kia Corporation has created car accessory from plastic sourced from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, marking a significant milestone in its partnership with The Ocean Cleanup. The company’s support to the non-profit organization, since 2022, is dedicated to developing and scaling technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic.
As a key result of its partnership, Kia will launch a limited-edition trunk liner for the all-new Kia EV3, made from ocean plastic sourced from The Ocean Cleanup, that will be available in selected markets coinciding with the model’s launch.
Kia trunk-liner for EV3: Details
Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the trunk liner features a ‘geometric wave’ pattern that reflects waves and the flow of debris, highlighting The Ocean Cleanup’s marine plastic extraction process. Made with 40% recycled ocean plastic, this high-quality trunk liner is as durable and functional as traditional options. Each liner includes a QR code that provides information about its development and the partnership, along with The Ocean Cleanup logo.
Since their partnership began in 2022, the companies have sought ways to turn plastic waste from the GPGP into durable products, with the first phase focusing on sorting, recycling, and processing the plastic to meet Kia’s quality standards. Unlike ocean-bound plastic, The Ocean Cleanup’s material comes solely from the ocean, making it harder to recycle and requiring a Chain of Custody Standard to ensure its traceability and integrity.
As part of their sustainability goals, Kia has incorporated recycled plastics and eco-friendly materials in its latest models, such as the all-electric flagship SUV, the EV9, which features flooring made from recycled fishnets and seat fabrics from recycled plastic bottles, and the EV6, which uses textiles and matting made from recycled plastics.
The company also plans to increase the use of sustainable materials in its future products and raise application of recycled plastic in vehicles to more than 20% by 2030, underscoring its commitment to creating a circular resource system for ocean plastic.
