Kia Corporation (Kia)’s non-profit partner, The Ocean Cleanup, is showcasing Panama City as an exciting example of the impact made possible through its landmark 30 Cities Program, celebrating measurable success in plastic reduction across urban rivers in the region
On July 7-8, an international team of partners, media and other stakeholders travelled to the region to witness the project’s effects firsthand, interview those who are both implementing and benefiting from it on the ground and record its impact on the local environment. A documentary video from the visit can be viewed here
The Ocean Cleanup is a global non-profit organization based in the Netherlands. It develops and scales solutions to rid the oceans of plastic pollution by both stemming inflow via rivers and removing waste that has already accumulated
With the global non-profit already responsible for preventing over 60 million kilograms of trash from reaching the world’s oceans, the 30 Cities Program aims to scale its Interceptor™ solutions across key population centers in Asia and the Americas
The Ocean Cleanup seeks to eliminate up to one third of all river-borne plastic flowing into the ocean by the end of the decade, contributing to an eventual 90 percent reduction in floating ocean plastic pollution worldwide by 2040
In collaboration with both national government and city authorities in Panama City, The Ocean Cleanup and local non-profit partner Marea Verde, alongside local communities, are working towards the successful restoration of the seven major rivers flowing through Panama City as part of the ‘Seven Basins’ Project, stopping the flow of trash into the Bay of Panama using The Ocean Cleanup’s proven Interceptor technology
The project aims to
Prevent more than 800,000 kilograms of waste from reaching the sea each year.
Recover at least 100,000 kilograms of plastic annually.
Contribute to a clean ecosystem for more than two million migratory birds.
Restore more than 30 km of coastline.
Improve quality of life in communities along the intervened rivers.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, Panama City generates over 41,000 tons of plastic waste each year. Located on the country’s Pacific coast, the already severe societal and ecological impact of plastic waste pollution is amplified by the area’s rich biodiversity and critical ecosystems, including mangroves
As part of a strategic alliance with Marea Verde, the installation of The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 022 on the Río Abajo and Interceptor 025 on the Río Matías Hernández are now delivering measurable, city-wide results in plastic waste reduction
In addition to initiatives planned for a further five regional waterways, and the implementation of environmental education programs to reduce the creation of plastic waste at source, it is hoped that the project’s impact will continue to scale exponentially
Steve Lee, President of Kia Central & South America regional headquarters, said: “Kia’s partnership with The Ocean Cleanup demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship. Panama City exemplifies how innovation, collaboration, and corporate responsibility can protect our oceans and preserve biodiversity. We’re proud to support this transformative work and look forward to expanding it across the region”
James Patterson, Panama Lead at The Ocean Cleanup, added: “With the support of Kia, our work in Panama is a powerful example of how global expertise and local commitment can come together to provide solutions that protect vital ecosystems. By combining innovative technology with on-the-ground knowledge, we’re not just stopping plastic at its source—we’re creating a blueprint for cleaner, healthier cities and oceans”
Kia Corporation and The Ocean Cleanup are in the midst of a long-term partnership that began in 2022 and will continue until 2031. As a Global Mission Partner, Kia provides funding, mobility solutions and R&D expertise to support the non-profit’s operations, while also integrating ocean plastic harvested by The Ocean Cleanup into its value chain
The first proof point of this collaboration is the limited-edition trunk liner for the Kia EV3 made using 40% recycled plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, 35% TPV and 25% inorganics or other additives that is scheduled to go on sale in select European markets later this year
The brand also recently renewed the electric vehicle fleet it provides to The Ocean Cleanup with the supply of two EV3 and two EV4 models to assist on-ground operations at its headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
