As a step towards achieving the brand’s aim of carbon neutrality across its operations by 2045, Kia has announced further details of its overarching Design Sustainability Strategy. The forthcoming flagship EV9 will be the first recipient of the full suite of sustainable items.
Kia has a long history of integrating sustainable materials into its products, starting with the use of bioplastic and sugar cane bio-fibre in the 2014 Soul EV. Kia says it has continued to pursue sustainability in its products, with the current range of plant-based components and use of recycled PET and discarded fishing nets in the production of its fabrics and carpets.
Now, Kia has stated it will integrate 10 'must-have' sustainability items into its new model lines, starting with the flagship EV9. As part of its advanced efforts, Kia has said it will also continue to invest in testing and development programs to accelerate the implementation of bio-fabrication, underscoring a dedication to advancing sustainable technologies.
One sustainable item Kia will use more of is bioplastic. Bioplastics are an innovative type of plastic that can be produced using a variety of renewable biomass sources such as vegetable oils, corn extract, sawdust and sugar cane. Apart from its sustainability, bioplastic is also versatile and durable enough to be used in various components of the car's interior. From the dashboard and console to the pillars and garnishes, bioplastic will be incorporated throughout the EV9's design.
Similarly, post-consumer material (PCM) plastic is made using recycled material from existing products rather than new, ‘virgin’ pellets. This process has several benefits that span the entire production lifecycle. It significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes the environment, while also helping to conserve non-renewable resources by reducing the need for virgin materials to be used in the creation of new products.
One of the key areas where PCM plastic has been incorporated into the Kia EV9 is the door garnishes. Kia says its integration of post-consumer recycled plastic into the EV9's construction is a proactive step that contributes to waste reduction and landfill regeneration.
In its efforts to phase out leather, Kia identified Bio Polyurethane (PU) as an optimal solution, given its potential to reduce overall carbon emissions and incorporate plant-based components, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable balance. Kia says Bio PU not only offers a sustainable alternative, but it also delivers a comfortable seating experience, with excellent cushioning and durability, as well as a soft and breathable feel. Bio PU can be found in the seats and interior coverings of the new EV9.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world, making it ideal for various sustainable applications from water bottles to clothing.
With good resistance to impact, moisture and solvents, it is the ideal fabric with which to cover exposed surfaces within the car. Kia says it has taken this one step further by using recycled yarn to partially compose its PET fabric, ensuring both sustainability and durability. The material can be found in numerous areas of the EV9's interior, including the seats, headliner, sun visor, garnish, and headrests. Notably, each EV9 incorporates at least 70 recycled bottles, highlighting the brand's commitment to reducing waste.
In addition to its presence in the rest of the cabin, Kia utilises 100% recycled PET in the creation of its standard carpets. Going further still, the brand offers the option of a portion of this material coming from recycled fishing nets. PET again demonstrates its versatility with the yarn used for certain cabin applications in Kia’s models made from 100% recycled PET bottles as well.
Similarly, soft and durable felt made with recycled PET bottles can be used to transport everything from luggage to pets. PET has the added benefit of offering good acoustic absorption, reducing the transmission of sound from the rear of the car to the rest of the cabin and helping to maintain a driving experience that feels as good as it looks. Recycled PET felt can be found on the luggage board of the EV9.
Back outside the EV9, Kia has proactively addressed the harmful environmental effects associated with the use of the combination of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) by adopting a sustainable solution: BTX-free paints. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the new EV9 features an interior that is adorned with BTX-free paints almost throughout, except for the door window switch panel, which is coated with bio paint. Bio paint is made using rapeseed oil, a vegetable oil obtained from rapeseed and commonly used in the food, biofuel, paint, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.