This record-breaking amount, collected by Kia’s global partner, The Ocean Cleanup, marks a new phase in their 7-year global partnership established in April 2022, as part of Kia’s transformation into a provider of sustainable mobility solutions.
The Ocean Cleanup, an international nonprofit project aiming to rid the oceans of plastic, delivered this latest collection in Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada. This record capture was removed from the Pacific Ocean using The Ocean Cleanup’s System 002 extraction technology after a lengthy journey through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The GPGP is the world’s largest accumulation of floating debris, spanning approximately 1.6 million square kilometers, equivalent to three times the size of France.
The recycling of the collected plastic will commence shortly, and Kia will utilize a portion of this material in future models. This policy aligns with Kia’s commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions that have a measurable impact on achieving sustainability at scale.
Kia has already successfully implemented over 30 sustainable solutions in various product areas, including fabrics and carpets made from recycled PET, alternative bio-based leather, and paint without BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene). For instance, in the case of the EV9, Kia’s flagship fully electric 7-seater SUV model, recycled waste such as fishing nets recovered from the ocean is used for crafting the vehicle’s carpets. Components used in the construction of the EV9 that are manufactured from recycled plastic and eco-friendly bio-based materials weigh approximately 34kg.
Immediately after bringing the captured waste to the shore, The Ocean Cleanup announced the introduction of its new System 03 technology. Nearly three times larger than System 002, this new technology can capture a larger amount of plastic at a lower cost per kilogram continuously over a year. It also includes much more sophisticated environmental monitoring and safety technology, such as a new safety hatch for marine animals designed to protect marine life. This enhancement marks the next phase toward The Ocean Cleanup’s goal of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.
Kia remains steadfast in its commitment to a sustainable planet and the well-being of future generations. This strategy reinforces the brand’s continuous and growing support for The Ocean Cleanup. It will be further emphasized by placing Kia’s logo and colors on all uniforms worn by the System 03 team.
Charles Ryu, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Corporation’s Global Division, commented, “The record collection of plastics brought ashore by The Ocean Cleanup for recycling is tangible proof of how technology can provide sustainable solutions at scale. Kia’s partnership with The Ocean Cleanup demonstrates the brand’s commitment to making a positive impact. Initiatives like this align perfectly with Kia’s transition to becoming a provider of sustainable mobility solutions and our Plan S strategy, through which we embrace our customers’ needs and the protection of our environment, acting as a Responsible Corporate Citizen.”
Nisha Bakker, Director of Partnerships at The Ocean Cleanup, stated, “This record delivery marks the end of the System 002 era for The Ocean Cleanup and paves the way for the perfect launch platform for System 03. We are moving step by step, and we believe System 03 represents the necessary size to grow and expand our cleaning efforts in the most economical way. Beyond System 03, we plan to develop a fleet of systems that together will be capable of removing 50% of the GPGP every 5 years. However, we cannot achieve this alone. Our valued and committed partners, particularly our global partner Kia, remain essential for The Ocean Cleanup to realize the dream of having plastic-free oceans.”
