Innovation Inspired by Nature
Innovation Inspired by Nature
8 July, 2024
- At Kia, we believe that the true value of our sustainability vision lies not in individual actions, but in what we achieve together – the synergy created when people, organisations and communities are motivated to participate and take action.
- Our design philosophy at Kia also integrates sustainable processes and solutions into every aspect, from the selection of colours and materials to the final finishes.
Con la firme convicción de que “el movimiento inspira ideas”, en Kia hemos puesto a las comunidades en acción. Creemos que conectar a las personas, tanto física como emocionalmente, fomenta el surgimiento de nuevas ideas. Sin embargo, sabemos que esta expansión también tiene un costo: a medida que crecemos en nuestra capacidad para mover a las personas, el planeta enfrenta más presión.
Por eso, nuestra visión de convertirnos en un proveedor de soluciones de movilidad sostenible nos impulsa a buscar formas de avanzar de manera más respetuosa con el medio ambiente. El verdadero valor de nuestra visión de sostenibilidad no está en las acciones individuales, sino en las acciones colectivas: la sinergia que surge cuando las comunidades se sienten motivadas a participar y hacer una diferencia. Buscamos inspiración en nuestras asociaciones para generar un mayor impacto en nuestro día a día y en nuestro estilo de vida.
Un ejemplo de ello, es el contenido producido por National Geographic CreativeWork que destaca algunas de las soluciones más innovadoras, todas inspiradas en la naturaleza. El reportaje presenta el trabajo del explorador de National Geographic, Arthur Huang, en la búsqueda de tecnologías innovadoras inspiradas en la naturaleza, un paso positivo hacia un futuro mejor para todos. Descubra más sobre las soluciones innovadoras inspiradas en el océano y la naturaleza.
Aquí tienes algunos de los pasos sostenibles que estamos dando en Kia:
Armonía con la naturaleza, la estrategia de diseño sostenible de Kia
El diseño no es solo estética. Con la sostenibilidad como uno de nuestros valores fundamentales, nuestra filosofía de diseño también abarca procesos y soluciones sostenibles, desde los colores y los materiales, hasta los acabados.
Starting with the design of the Kia EV9, we planned to completely eliminate the use of animal leather in all our future products. Instead, we will use BIO PU (Bio-Polyurethane), a material derived from natural components such as corn and eucalyptus, which will replace both leather and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). With this change, we will reduce CO₂ emissions and toxic chemicals, while maintaining our commitment to attractive and durable designs.
Another of our goals is “BIO manufacturing,” which is based on the use of natural components. A good example of this is our collaboration with South Korean start-up Mycel, which produces biomaterials inspired by fungi.
Fungi are known as “nature’s recyclers” for their ability to break down organic matter. The branching threads of fungal mycelia, called “hyphae,” can break down long chains of hydrocarbons, including plastics and unrefined petroleum. Mycel has focused on how fungi can connect industrial systems with natural ecosystems. As partners in this journey toward sustainability, we at Kia believe in Mycel’s mushroom technology, which has the potential to free up billions of livestock and reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by livestock.
Ocean impact, Kia’s innovative solutions
Plastic has undoubtedly been a great advance for humanity, but its convenience is turning against us. The problem with plastic is that it doesn’t break down for decades; instead, it fragments into microplastics, which have become a serious threat to the Earth and, therefore, to us. In addition, plastic floating in the ocean poses a significant danger to the safety of marine animals.
To keep our oceans clean and safe, at Kia we collaborate with The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization that develops technology to reduce plastic in the oceans. They use a two-pronged strategy: they intercept plastics in rivers to cut off the cause, and they clean up the plastic already present in the ocean, giving it a second life. At Kia, we support these technological initiatives and have plans to receive the plastic recovered from the ocean, recycle it, and contribute to eliminating waste in our seas.
The Kia EV9 Concept represents sustainable mobility for the future, using eco-friendly materials in its interior, such as recycled fishing nets for the car floor and recycled plastic bottles along with wool fibres for the seat fabric. The Kia EV6, meanwhile, also features fabrics and floor mats made from recycled plastics, which equates to 111 plastic water bottles per car.
Taking inspiration from nature and exploring unique ideas with communities, at Kia we are expanding the meaning of the movement towards a sustainable future. To make a positive impact on the Earth, we have set a goal that, by 2030, 20% of plastic parts in all our vehicles will be made from recycled plastics. Now, we invite you to join us in this sustainable movement. Join the journey, inspire others and let’s make our common vision a reality.
