Reclaiming Waters: Hyundai Motor And Healthy Seas Launch Major Operation In Western Greece

Hyundai Motor Company and Healthy Seas have joined forces for the fourth consecutive year to combat pollution caused by abandoned fish farms in Greece. This global initiative focuses on environmental protection and promoting a circular economy. The partnership aims to recycle recovered marine litter, including large fish farm nets and various plastics, into new products such as floormats made from ECONYL® yarn for Hyundai Motor's IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and all-new Santa Fe models in Europe.The yearlong commitment began with a 10-day intensive clean-up operation along the western coast of Greece. The initiative targeted abandoned fish farms and included activities to educate and involve the local community. The goal is to reclaim polluted waters and foster healthier marine environments for the benefit of local communities. Hyundai Motor and Healthy Seas are expanding their efforts to address marine pollution on a larger scale, working towards a sustainable future through global clean-ups and educational initiatives throughout the year.Michael Cole, President and CEO at Hyundai Motor Europe, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Healthy Seas, stating that their joint efforts in 2024 aim to extend their reach in addressing the global challenge of marine pollution. He emphasized the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved when diverse stakeholders unite for a more sustainable future.The clean-up operation in western Greece took place from May 15 to 24. Volunteer divers from Ghost Diving focused on removing large nets and debris that pose serious threats to marine life. Despite the challenges, they successfully removed numerous pollutants, including ring pipes, fish farm nets, polystyrene parts, and other harmful debris. These materials will be sorted and recycled, with nylon parts being regenerated into ECONYL® yarn by Aquafil. This contributes to the production of new, sustainable products like floormats for Hyundai Motor's vehicles.The clean-up operation addressed significant ecological damage caused by abandoned fish farms. These farms release debris, plastics, and pollutants into the marine environment, disrupting marine ecosystems and endangering flora and fauna. By removing these hazards, Hyundai Motor and Healthy Seas are restoring safe waters for local communities who rely on clean seas for tourism and leisure. In total, 42.7 tons of marine litter were retrieved, including 11.3 tons of fish farming nets. The collected marine litter will be recycled, including large nets used in fish farming operations found entangled on the seabed, surface structures such as rings or cages made of pipes and polystyrene, and various plastics washed ashore.Veronika Mikos, Director of Healthy Seas, highlighted the importance of collaboration in projects like this, where the private sector can support the public, raise awareness on pressing issues, and offer tangible solutions. She expressed gratitude to Hyundai for their four-year collaboration and acknowledged the contributions of partners and volunteers in making this initiative possible.Hyundai Motor's 'Progress for Humanity' vision drives its commitment to creating shared value and building a sustainable business ecosystem. The company's latest Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiative, 'Hyundai Continue,' focuses on three core areas: Continue Earth, Continue Mobility, and Continue Hope. Under the pillar of Continue Earth, Hyundai Motor is dedicated to environmental advocacy and combatting climate change. The partnership with Healthy Seas aligns with this pillar by fighting ocean pollution and fostering a circular economy.Hyundai Motor's CSV strategy in Europe emphasizes three main pillars: Environmental Protection and Circular Economy, Innovation, and People. The partnership with Healthy Seas plays a crucial role in the first pillar by addressing ocean pollution and promoting a circular economy.The collaboration between Hyundai Motor Company and Healthy Seas demonstrates their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. By working together to combat marine pollution, restore marine ecosystems, and promote a circular economy, they are making a positive impact on the environment and the communities that depend on clean seas. This partnership serves as an example of how diverse stakeholders can come together for a more sustainable future.