Hyundai and Healthy Seas remove more than 170 tonnes of marine litter in 2024 “Operation Ghost Farms” initiative
- Hyundai and Healthy Seas conducted three major clean-up operations targeting abandoned fish farms in Greece in 2024
- More than 170 tonnes of marine waste were collected, including more than 60 tonnes of discarded fishing nets
- Educational programmes engaged local schools, universities, and communities to foster lasting awareness of marine conservation
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Hyundai Motor Europe, in collaboration with Healthy Seas, has completed a year-long initiative to remove marine litter from Greece’s coastal waters, with the latest clean-up effort taking place in the Ambracian Gulf. “Operation Ghost Farms – Reclaiming Waters” was a multi-phase project that cleaned more than 170 tonnes of marine debris, underscoring Hyundai’s commitment to environmental stewardship through its ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision.
By supporting initiatives like “Operation Ghost Farms”, we aim not only to reduce marine pollution but also to empower local communities in preserving and restoring their coastal ecosystems. We are honoured to participate in these impactful projects, which embody Hyundai’s dedication to ‘Progress for Humanity’ and our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
In October, the Menidi clean-up focused on removing hazardous debris from a recently abandoned fish farm, preventing further environmental harm. Volunteers retrieved substantial amounts of debris, including fishing nets, buoys, floating rings, and a partially sunken boat. Onshore, teams tackled additional waste, such as household litter and broken Styrofoam, which pose risks to marine wildlife.
The impact of “Operation Ghost Farms” has been profound, with each clean-up mission removing harmful waste from the water and each educational event inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. We are deeply grateful to Hyundai for their dedication and support this year, demonstrating the impact we can achieve through shared values and joint action.
Collected materials, including fishing nets, are processed for recycling. The nets suitable for recycling are sent to Diopas, Healthy Seas’ recycling partner, and forwarded to Aquafil, also an Healthy Seas partner, to be transformed into ECONYL® regenerated nylon, used in products such as the floormats in Hyundai’s electric cars sold in Europe. This circular approach to waste illustrates Hyundai’s dedication to sustainable practices. Other recovered materials are directed to local recycling facilities, including a construction company that repurposes salvageable items, further supporting a circular waste management model.
Contacts
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Adriana Cerami
Head of Section Corporate & Brand PR
acerami@hyundai-europe.comElvira Herrera
Corporate Communications Expert
eherrera@hyundai-europe.comMaria Bricio
Corporate & Brand Communications Expert
mbricio@hyundai-europe.comÁngel Pino Pérez
Product PR & Communications Expert
apinoperez@hyundai-europe.comKatharina Kupper
Hyundai Newsroom Lead
