On World Oceans Day, Kia Europe announced four partnerships with start-ups - Polyola, Odyssey Innovation, Sieve and Waterhaul - because it believes that solutions for a sustainable future cannot be achieved by a single organisation but by partnerships where we all work together towards the same goal. This partnership is in line with Kia's global efforts to rid the environment of plastics through the Ocean Cleanup Partnership and make greater use of the material in recycling.
We believe that mobility inspires ideas - and some ideas inspire mobility. That's why we shine a light on independent pioneering brands and celebrate their ideas, stories and innovation, on how we can all inspire others to move more responsibly.
"Sustainability is at the heart of our drive to inspire new mobility," said Sjoerd Knipping, Vice President of Marketing and Product at Kia Europe. "We share this vision with new brands such as Odyssey Innovation, Waterhaul, Polyola and Sieve by creating responsible experiences that enrich our customers' lifestyles and invite positive change by moving responsibly together."
Partnerships are designed to enable people to move responsibly for customers based on the belief that when both mobility and leisure are sustainable, it's a double win for everyone. All five partners recycle ocean waste and then turn it into lifestyle products and continually innovate to minimize their impact while maximizing product performance.
Polyola
100% polyurethane board blanks with 100% recyclable materials
Based in France, Polyola has found inspiration in the rich history of surfing and combined it with pioneering material innovations. It develops and supplies the surfboard manufacturing industry with modern and sustainable materials that have less impact on the environment and maximise performance. Kia Europe has connected with Polyola to explore the future of surfboard manufacturing and sustainable mobility.
- Innovation of materials: Polyurethane based on recycled material, which can be fully recycled (liquefied) to avoid valuable resources going to landfills and reliance on virgin resources.
Odyssey Innovation
Hand surfboards made from ocean waste and old wetsuits
Based in England, Odyssey Innovation was born out of a passion to clean up the sea from plastic pollution. In 2014, founder Rob Thompson set up a team of volunteer divers to recover marine plastic and ghost gear with a vision to turn it into something more responsible. Kia Europe has teamed up with Odyssey to celebrate the award-winning hand boards, designed by surfers for eco-conscious wave enthusiasts around the world.
- Hardware innovation: Odyssey developed 100% circular plastic pellets derived from recovered ALDFG (abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear), ropes stranded in the oceans, and recycled neoprene.
Sieve
Surf blades made from recycled bottle caps
Based in Germany, SIEVE was born out of a love of the sea, curiosity and the drive to develop sustainable and innovative solutions. Following the passionate surfers, Sieve felt a strong connection to the ocean litter problem and continued their quest to create responsible solutions for the ocean they love. Kia Europe has connected with Sieve to explore their roots, passion for innovative solutions and creating sustainable surf fins.
- Innovation of materials: SIEVE uses recycled bottle caps, reinforced with added fibres. Fibre is added as a new material while a recycled alternative is sought.
Waterhaul
Sunglasses and beach cleaning kits made from ghost equipment
Using ghost gear, the most harmful form of plastic in the ocean, Waterhaul creates exceptional eyewear and related products that drive a mission and empower a community. Every winter, the coastline surrounding Cornwall, England, local to Waterhaul, is inundated with ghost gear (lost or abandoned fishing gear) that threatens marine life. This prompted Waterhaul's founders to develop recycling-based solutions to turn this plastic waste into raw material. Kia Europe has joined Waterhaul to celebrate its products that inspire people to connect and protect our oceans.
- Materials used: 100% recycled fishing gear (sunglass frames, litter collection and bag bags), mineral glass lenses (sunglasses) and end-of-life thread material (cleaning bags).
New Materials and Regenerative Revolution
Last year, Kia signed a seven-year Global Partnership with The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization that develops and scales technologies to rid the world's oceans of plastic. The plastic collected by The Ocean Cleanup is recycled and then used as a raw material for the manufacture of various products.
Kia is also taking steps to use renewable resources and incorporate more environmentally friendly materials into its products. Part of the plan includes phasing out animal-based leather, implementing ten designated sustainable components inside its vehicles and continually innovating new, bio-based materials.
The Kia EV9 features eco-friendly interior materials, such as an alternative skin made from BIO PU (Bio-Polyurethane). Recycled plastics are incorporated into various interior parts. The fabric on the seats and floor mats are made from recycled PET as well as recycled fishing nets, creating a warm and premium feel.
Kia sees synergies between sustainable watersports and sustainable mobility in the new Kia EV9 and it is the ideal vehicle for outdoor activities. On-board Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology provides power for electronic devices and camping equipment, and the go-anywhere SUV character is suitable for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
