Kia introduces 10 eco-feature must-haves to the EV9 and future Kia models

18 May 2023

KIA has introduced '10 must-have sustainability items' as part of their new KIA design sustainability strategy which commits to phasing out non-renewable materials and instead investing in bio-based materials.

The Kia EV9 showcases ten eco features that give an indication of what we can expect from the brand’s future models as part of its Design Sustainability Strategy.

Headlines of the strategy include the phasing out of leather and the development of new bio-based materials.

In the meantime the ten eco features of the Kia EV9 are as follows:

1. Bioplastic
Bioplastics can be produced using a variety of renewable biomass sources such as vegetable oils, corn extract, sawdust and sugar cane. Bioplastic is used in the EV9 in components in the car's interior including the dashboard, centre console and pillars.
2. Post-consumer material (PCM) plastic
Post-consumer material (PCM) plastic is made using recycled material from existing products rather than new, ‘virgin’ pellets. One of the key areas where PCM plastic has been incorporated into the new Kia EV9 is the door garnishes.
3. Bio PU
Bio Polyurethane (PU), incorporating plant-based components, can replace leather. Bio PU can be found in the seats and interior coverings of the new Kia EV9 and still offers support, cushioning and durability, as well as a soft and breathable feel.
4. Recycled PET fabric
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. Recycled PET fabric can be found in many areas of the EV9's interior, including the seats, headliner, sun visor, garnish, and headrests. Each EV9 incorporates at least 70 recycled bottles.
5. Recycled PET carpet
In addition to its presence in the rest of the cabin, Kia utilises 100 per cent 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 (around 640,000 tons of fishing gear ends up in the oceans each year, resulting in the deaths of countless marine creatures including sea birds, whales and seals). The cabin floors of the new Kia EV9 feature carpets made from recycled PET and fishing nets.

6. Bio PU foam
Made with the help of natural oils, Kia’s Bio Polyurethane (PU) foam can be found in the headrests of the new Kia EV9.
7. Bio paint
Bio paint is more sustainable than alternatives made using crude oil and reduces chemical waste that normally results from the manufacturing process. Kia’s bio paint, made using rapeseed oil, can be found on the door switch panels of the new Kia EV9.
8. BTX-free paint
Paints traditionally include the components of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), which are associated with harmful environmental impacts. The new Kia EV9 features an interior with BTX-free paints almost throughout, except for the door window switch panel, which is coated with bio paint.
9. Recycled PET yarn
The yarn used for certain cabin applications in Kia’s models is made from 100 per cent recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. More than 70 recycled PET bottles are used across all of the recycled PET items found in the new Kia EV9, including seat stitching.
10. Recycled PET felt
Felt made with recycled PET bottles, which offer good acoustic absorption, can be found on the luggage board of the new Kia EV9.