Social Impact
Kia X The Ocean Cleanup
A Committed Approach
Kia is now facing the ‘dilemma of movement’.
More than just getting from one place to another,
movement is a journey that connects people
and opens doors to new possibilities.
But the freedom of movement, along with every step forward in
mobility, comes with a cost: the toll it takes on nature.
More than just getting from one place
to another, movement is a journey
that connects people and
opens doors to new possibilities.
But the freedom of movement,
along with every step forward
in mobility, comes with a cost:
the toll it takes on nature.
Partnering for Positive Change
To address the "dilemma of movement," Kia looked for meaningful ways to contribute to efforts tackling marine plastic pollution and turned to the ocean—the cradle of life—as a starting point. Since 2022, we have been on a long-term journey with The Ocean Cleanup, providing support for the development and deployment of real-world solutions aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution. Our long-term partnership reflects Kia's commitment to working collaboratively on initiatives that support our sustainability ambitions and create value for customers and communities.
The Ocean Cleanup is an international, mission driven non-profit organisation that develops and scales technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic.
As a long-term partner in addressing marine plastic pollution, we are committed to supporting collective efforts toward reducing plastic waste in marine environments. Along this journey, innovative breakthroughs in ocean plastic recycling and repurposing have led to the successful development of the world’s first car accessory made using plastic collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Meanwhile, Kia’s partnership focus has expanded to include supporting the interception of waste in some of the world’s most polluted rivers before it reaches the oceans. As you can see, the Kia x The Ocean Cleanup partnership is rooted in long-term mutual commitment as well as a practical, technology-driven approach to tackling marine pollution.
Closing the Loop
with Ocean Plastic
Removing Legacy Ocean Plastic
The partnership’s movement for change starts with the collection and removal of ocean plastic waste. Located between Hawaii and California, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — the largest of the world’s five ocean trash gyres — is home to some 1.8 trillion pieces of floating plastic. Here, The Ocean Cleanup utilises advanced computer modelling to identify areas with higher concentrations of plastic and enhance collection efficiency.
Breakthroughs in Plastic Waste Recycling
To give it new life, we are working closely with The Ocean Cleanup to transform recovered ocean plastic into durable consumer goods. Plastics classified by type undergo processes such as sorting, cleaning, grinding, and mixing with new and inorganic materials before being repurposed into automotive-related products, adding new value to customers' daily lives.
A Shared Commitment Rediscovered at Sea
Turning marine plastic waste into valuable resources can support efforts to address marine pollution while creating opportunities linked to sustainable development. Plastic waste in the ocean poses well-documented risks to aquatic life and ecosystems, particularly as it degrades into microplastics. Through initiatives that focus on collecting and repurposing marine plastic, these materials can be reintroduced into practical applications, representing a small but tangible contribution to shared responsibility for protecting marine environments.
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The EV3 Limited Edition Trunk Liner: The Beginning of a Circular Pacific Plastic Cycle
Kia and The Ocean Cleanup are collaborating to recycle marine plastic waste collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch into vehicle products, marking a world first. Since establishing our partnership in 2022, we have been engaged in ongoing cooperation and research aimed at reusing materials. As a result, we have successfully developed a limited-edition trunk liner specifically for the EV3 made with 40% recycled ocean plastic.
Discover more
Discover more about the EV3 limited edition trunk liner
As a long-term partner in addressing marine plastic pollution, we are committed to supporting collective efforts toward reducing plastic waste in marine environments.
Kia is working alongside The Ocean Cleanup to create a new wave in tackling marine plastic pollution. Please join us on the journey ahead.
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