Kia is making cars with sustainable materials like mushrooms, fishing nets and roots
The automaker has undertaken an ambitious effort to manufacture vehicles with recycled products
Vehicle sustainability goes beyond aspects of mobility like batteries and emissions. The circular economy now plays a significant role in the goals of an industry aiming to become more environmentally friendly everyday. Automakers should not solely focus on the reduction of harmful emissions and particles. The entire production process needs to strive for carbon neutrality and resource efficiency. As a result, traditional automaking concepts are slowly evolving, and consumers are starting to notice.
Kia Motors is at the forefront of this revolution, focusing on using sustainable materials in vehicle manufacturing. The innovative EV9 model is leading the way, and Kia plans to expand use of these materials to other models like the EV6. This effort is based on 10 sustainable materials that will become essential components for cars of the future. By prioritizing sustainability, Kia’s new models will be more eco-friendly than ever. Here are some of the materials you can expect to see in their cars soon.
Recycled floor mats
Kia uses recycled PET plastic in various parts of the interior, including floor mats made from old fishing nets. This serves a dual purpose by giving the material a second life and helping to address the harmful impacts of discarded nets on marine life.
Natural dyes
A material that will gradually be used more extensively is 100% recycled cotton colored with natural dyes made from the roots of rubiaceous plants and walnut shells. It’s a sustainable material that offers an almost infinite range of shades and nuances.
Biomass plastics
Another innovative material with great potential is plastic made from renewable biomass sources like vegetable oils, sawdust, corn extract and sugarcane. Bioplastics lower the reliance on fossil fuels in production processes and reduces worker exposure to harmful chemicals. It can be used in dashboards, structural pillars and other interior elements.
Biopolyurethane
Biopolyurethane is the material Kia plans to use to replace animal leather in its interiors. It contains plant-based elements, helping to cut down on carbon emissions. It’s soft, transparent and offers good grip for comfortable passenger seats.
Vegan leather
This type of plant-based leather has a much lower carbon footprint compared to animal leather. The vegan leather used in models like the Kia Niro contains Tencel, a material made from eucalyptus wood, which is biodegradable and produced without waste.
Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam has multiple applications and boasts qualities such as high durability and compression capacity. Manufactured using natural oils, Kia is already using this sustainable material in the headrests of the EV9.
Recycled paper
The roof of the Kia Niro is lined with a 56% recycled paper fiber. Its use reduces the amount of paper waste and no trees need to be cut down to produce cellulose.
Plastic bottles
Felt made from recycled plastic bottles is soft and durable, and also provides good sound insulation. That’s why it’s used in the trunk of the Kia EV9, as it’s ideal for transporting personal belongings and even pets.
Mycelium
This biomaterial is produced from the roots of the Mycelium fungus, which is cultivated in a mold to give it the desired shape. It’s strong but also very soft. It’s used in the prototype console of the EV3 and will surely have other future applications.
Biological paint
Biological paint currently has limited applications, but will provide a more sustainable alternative to paint made from petroleum. The biological paint used by Kia is made from rapeseed oil, commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Recycled plastic
This is perhaps the most well-known sustainable material. The automotive industry turns used plastics into new materials, ensuring they don’t end up in landfills or harm the environment. Its use also reduces the need for new plastics in the production process, which helps conserve non-renewable resources.
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