Kia and The Ocean Cleanup Expand Los Angeles River Project

Kia Continues Global Sustainability Efforts with The Ocean Cleanup

Kia is continuing its commitment to environmental sustainability through its global partnership with The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit organization focused on removing plastic pollution from oceans and waterways around the world. Kia and The Ocean Cleanup have announced an expanded plastic interception initiative designed to keep harmful waste out of the Pacific Ocean, ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The latest project expansion will add new cleanup systems to the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers, building on the success of Interceptor 007 in Ballona Creek. Together, these systems are expected to stop an estimated 380 to 570 tons of plastic from reaching the ocean every year.

For environmentally conscious drivers and communities in California and beyond, this initiative highlights Kia’s commitment to real-world sustainability solutions outside the automotive industry.

What Is The Ocean Cleanup?

Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The organization focuses on developing advanced technologies designed to remove plastic from oceans and stop additional pollution from entering waterways through rivers.

As of 2026, The Ocean Cleanup has removed more than 110 million pounds of trash from bodies of water worldwide. Their mission focuses on stopping plastic pollution at its source while helping restore marine biodiversity and healthier coastal ecosystems.

The organization’s innovative river cleanup systems, known as “Interceptors,” are engineered to capture floating trash before it reaches the ocean.

Kia’s Partnership with The Ocean Cleanup

Kia became The Ocean Cleanup’s global mission partner in 2022 as part of the brand’s broader sustainability goals.

Since the partnership began, Kia has supported:

• The development and deployment of scalable ocean cleanup technologies
• Research initiatives focused on river plastic pollution
• Programs focused on giving ocean plastic a second life
• Public awareness efforts centered on environmental protection and sustainability

Kia’s support helps The Ocean Cleanup expand operations globally while encouraging long-term environmental innovation. According to Kia America Vice President Eric Watson:

“Kia believes the future of mobility comes with a responsibility to the communities we serve.”

Interceptor 007 Has Already Made a Major Impact

One of the most successful projects in the Los Angeles area has been Interceptor 007, located in Ballona Creek.

Since entering permanent operation in 2024, Interceptor 007 has already prevented nearly 387,000 pounds of trash from flowing into the Pacific Ocean and onto local beaches.

The new Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River systems will create a coordinated regional effort to reduce plastic pollution across Southern California waterways.

The Ocean Cleanup used advanced technology including:

• Drone mapping
• AI-powered remote sensing cameras
• GPS tracking systems
• Smart river pollution surveys

These tools help identify pollution patterns and optimize cleanup operations for maximum environmental impact.

Supporting Cleaner Beaches Ahead of LA28

The expanded initiative comes as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games. Local leaders, including Los Angeles County officials and city representatives from Long Beach and Seal Beach, have expressed strong support for the project.

The effort aligns with The Ocean Cleanup’s global “30 Cities Program,” which aims to reduce one-third of all river-based ocean pollution worldwide by the end of the decade.

Cleaner rivers and beaches mean healthier coastal ecosystems, improved recreation areas, and stronger environmental protections for future generations.

Kia’s Commitment to a More Sustainable Future

Kia continues to invest in sustainability through electric vehicles, eco-conscious manufacturing, recycled materials research, and global environmental partnerships like The Ocean Cleanup.

As Kia expands its lineup of electrified vehicles and innovative mobility solutions, partnerships focused on protecting the planet remain an important part of the company’s long-term vision. Drivers looking for a brand that values innovation, technology, and environmental responsibility can see those values reflected both on and off the road.

To learn more about Kia’s latest vehicles, sustainability efforts, and community initiatives, visit Diehl Kia today.