Kia EV9 to feature ‘10 must-have sustainability items’

Kia revealed that the EV9 will feature all of the materials outlined in its “10 must-have sustainability items,” a list of eco-friendly materials that will be applied to all of its future models as the carmaker aims to achieve sustainability at scale.

According to the South Korean automotive brand, it has been making strides in sustainability — even before the abovementioned announcement. In fact, Kia started using bioplastic and sugar cane bio-fiber in 2014. It continued to pursue sustainability in its products, with the current range of plant-based components and the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and discarded fishing nets in the production of its fabrics and carpets.

Kia’s “10 must-have sustainability items” is a follow-through to its efforts in sustainability. Through it, the brand aims to take another step towards achieving its aim of carbon neutrality across its operations by 2045.

The first of these “must-have” sustainability items is bioplastic. Bioplastic, per the Seoul-headquartered marque, is an exciting and 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.

With bioplastic, Kia can not only reduce its reliance on fossil fuels but also get the added benefits of diversified sourcing and reduce its employees’ exposure to unwanted chemicals.

Apart from its sustainability, bioplastic is also versatile and durable enough to be used in various components of a vehicle’s interior.

Bioplastic is used for the Kia EV9’s dashboard, console, and garnishes.

Next, is post-consumer material (PCM) plastic. Kia describes this material as “plastic made using recycled material from existing products rather than new, ‘virgin’ pellets.”

PCM plastic, Kia pointed out, significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes the environment. Also, it helps conserve non-renewable resources by reducing the need for virgin materials to be used in the creation of new products.

PCM plastic can be found on the Kia EV9’s door garnishes.

Bio polyurethane (PU) is another item that is featured in Kia’s “10 must-have sustainability items.” It plays a vital role in the brand’s sustainability pursuit as bio PU replaces the leather materials in Kia’s cars.

Further, bio PU not only offers a sustainable alternative but also delivers a comfortable seating experience.

Bio PU can be found in the seats and interior coverings of the new Kia EV9.

Number four on Kia’s “10 must-have sustainability items” is recycled PET fabric. This material is used in various sustainable applications from water bottles to clothing as it is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world.

Recycled PET fabric has good resistance to impact, moisture, and solvents, making it the ideal fabric with which to cover exposed surfaces within the car. Nevertheless, Kia still took recycled PET fabric to the next level by using recycled yarn (which we will get to later) to partially compose its PET fabric — ensuring both sustainability and durability in the interiors of the new Kia EV9.

This material can be found in numerous areas of the EV9's interior, including the seats, headliner, sun visor, garnish, and headrests.

Recycled PET carpet is also one of the materials revealed by Kia in its “10 must-have sustainability items.”

Kia’s recycled PET carpets are made of 100 percent recycled PET. Optionally, the automotive marque offers a variation of its recycled PET carpet that is partially made with recycled fishing nets.

“This is not only an innovative use of waste but also addresses the serious problem of discarded and lost fishing nets that devastate marine life around the world,” Kia explained in a press release.

Recycled PET and fishing nets are used on the Kia EV9’s cabin floors and carpets.

The sixth material in Kia’s list of sustainability items is bio PU foam.

Made with the help of natural oils, Kia’s bio PU foam offers the resilience and suppleness of standard polyurethane with a reduced impact on the planet.

Bio PU foam can be found in the headrests of the new Kia EV9.

Kia is also extending its sustainability efforts in the area of automotive paint with the use of bio paint.

Made using rapeseed oil — a vegetable oil obtained from rapeseed and commonly used in the food, biofuel, paint, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries — Kia is able to reduce chemical waste normally derived from the manufacturing process.

Kia’s bio paint is used on the EV9’s door switch panels.

And while we’re on the topic of paints, Kia also uses benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX)-free paint.

By applying BTX-free paints in its models, the company offers the same high-quality protection and finish that customers expect, while simultaneously minimizing the use of polluting chemicals.

BTX-free paint is used in the interior (except for the door window switch panel, which is coated with bio paint) of the Kia EV9.

Ninth on Kia’s “10 must-have sustainability items” list is recycled PET yarn.

The recycled PET yarn used by Kia is made from 100 percent recycled PET bottles. Aside from being used in conjunction with recycled PET fabric, PET yarn is also used in seat stitching, adding an extra layer of sustainability to the EV9's interior design.

Last on Kia’s list is recycled PET felt, made with recycled PET bottles.

PET felt is soft, durable, and has good acoustic absorption, making it a good material to use as the luggage board of the Kia EV9.

Photos from Kia

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