Hyundai owners in Europe may not realize it, but the next time they set foot in their new SANTA FE, they’ll be taking action to stop a major impact on the marine litter problem. That’s because, in the European market, these models, along with the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and the new INSTER, feature floor mats made from ECONYL yarn, a sustainable material made from nylon waste, including discarded carpets, clothes, and other waste. , including so-called “ghost nets”––large, discarded fishing nets make up about 10% of marine debris: a staggering one million tons of ghost gear are dumped into the water each year, and are considered a serious threat to marine life, seabirds, sea turtles, and corals.
That’s why Hyundai Motor Company and Healthy Seas recently launched an extensive clean-up project on the west coast of Greece, targeting abandoned fish farms. This year-long commitment began with 10 days of intensive cleanup, education, and community engagement activities, aimed at restoring polluted and hazardous water and promoting healthy marine environments in local communities.
The partnership extends beyond Europe, with initiatives from the United States to Korea, in collaboration with like-minded organizations such as Ghost Diving and the social enterprise Netspa to combat ocean pollution, restore the marine environment, and promote a circular economy.
HYUNDAI CONTINUES
Under Hyundai Motor’s Progress for Humanity vision, the company aims to create shared value by increasing social impacts and building a sustainable business plan, among other goals. This campaign inspired Hyundai Motor Company’s latest campaign, Hyundai Qhubeka, which focuses on three important goals: Qhubeka Earth demonstrates Hyundai Motor’s commitment to harmonious cooperation between mankind and the Earth; Qhubeka Mobility aims to achieve freedom in travel and communication; Qhubeka Ithemba is focused on educating and nurturing the growth of future generations.
“We are committed to improving the lives of the communities in which we work. This is the spirit of our Hyundai Continue initiative, which is why we engage in activities to protect the environment and promote the circular economy through partnerships such as Healthy Seas,” said Michael Cole, CEO of Hyundai Motors Europe. He adds, “Since 2021, we have proudly partnered with the marine conservation organization to combat ocean pollution and connect with communities and younger generations for a sustainable future.”
DEALING WITH MARINE POLLUTION IN WESTERN GREECE
Hyundai Motor and Healthy Seas launched their 2024 activities on May 15-24, with a 10-day cleanup program in western Greece. Targeting waters heavily polluted by abandoned fish farms, volunteer divers from Ghost Diving focus on removing large nets and debris that pose a major threat to marine life.
Despite the challenges, the volunteers succeeded in removing many pollutants, including ring pipes, fish farm nets, polystyrene parts, and other hazardous waste. These materials will be sorted and recycled, with parts of nylon and other waste recycled into ECONYL yarn by Healthy Seas’ founding partner, Aquafil, and used in new, sustainable products such as floor mats.
EFFECT OF PERFORMANCE
This cleanup addresses the massive environmental damage caused by abandoned fish farms, which release waste, plastics, and pollutants into the marine environment, disrupting marine ecosystems and endangering flora and fauna. Many abandoned sites lead to the accumulation of more garbage on the beaches. By removing these hazards, Hyundai Motor and Healthy Seas are returning safe water to local communities that rely on clean seas for tourism and recreation.
In total, 42.7 tons of marine litter were collected for recycling, including 11.3 tons of large nets used in fishing activities found stranded at sea, surface structures such as rings or cages made of pipes and polystyrene, and various plastics washed ashore.
“Our work goes beyond cleaning; it’s about restoring these waters for the marine life and the people who depend on them. “Collaboration is essential for projects like this, where the private sector can support the community, raise awareness of pressing issues, and provide concrete solutions,” said Veronika Mikos, director of Healthy Seas. “We are very grateful to our partners and volunteers who did this, especially at Hyundai for four years of cooperation.”
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