Hyundai Motor affiliate Kia is claiming a world first by achieving UL Environment Validation for Bio-Based Organic Carbon Content for 10% of the new Soul EV’s interior plastic.

The all electric variant of the recently redesigned small crossover line makes its world debut at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show later this week. It’s achieved the validation for having bio-based organic carbon content for 10% of its interior materials.

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Kia said various bio-based materials have been used, such as bio degradable plastic, bio-foam and bio-fabric. Unlike previous plastic materials that are based from oils, bio-based materials are derived from biomass, which is a photosynthate. Such modern biochemical technologies have replaced the majority of the existing chemistry industry by offering an alternative through development of new bio-materials.

The Soul EV interior includes various new materials such as 10% of bio-based plastic and anti-bacterial substances. Kia has also used five newly developed eco-friendly materials, including cellulose-based plastic and thermoplastic elastomer fabric.

In order to receive the UL Environment claim validation, the automaker went through a meticulous document review of the applied internal materials and onsite inspections of its manufacturing sites. UL Environment granted the validation for the vehicle containing bio-based plastic of 23.942kg and bio-based organic carbon content of 10%.

“This achievement for the Soul EV reflects the trend of the electric car transitioning from its original criteria of fuel efficiency and carbon emission to consideration of its entire product life cycle, which covers manufacturing, distribution and end of life recycling,” Kia said in a statement.

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