The Kia EV3’s new trunk lining is made from recycled plastic collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Partnering with Ocean Clay
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Kia Corporation has developed rear trunk accessories for the Kia EV3. This trunk liner isn’t just your regular trunk liner, but according to Kia, it’s the world’s first sustainable trunk mat made from plastic recycled from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) one. This is the result of a partnership between Kia and The Ocean Cleanup.
The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization dedicated to large-scale ocean plastic removal. The two companies will start working together in 2022.
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Kia EV3 trunk lining: design and construction
The sustainable trunk lining draws on Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. Its surface pattern is reminiscent of ocean waves and the process of waste collection. Made from 40% recycled ocean plastic, the accessory is designed to the same standards of durability, protection and functionality as traditional luggage liners. The liner also features a QR code that provides in-depth information about the development process and Kia’s partnership with The Ocean Cleanup.
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Kia EV3 trunk lining: recycling process and challenges
The design process for the trunk lining required a specialized recycling process to convert plastic waste extracted from garbage belts into high-quality materials that meet Kia Motors standards. Unlike ocean plastic, GPGP plastic is garbage that circulates in the ocean for a long time. This long-term exposure presents certain challenges, so it is important to adhere to “chain of custody standards” to verify the source and quality of recycled materials.
To transform ocean plastic into viable automotive-grade products, plastic catches undergo sorting, cleaning and a complex recycling process to ensure consistency and strength. These steps are critical to meeting the stringent requirements of automotive parts, where long-term durability and safety are top considerations.
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First published date: October 19, 2024 at 5:00 pm IST
