Bentley Motors Launches Bold Environmental Initiative to Restore California’s Kelp Forests

Bentley Motors has taken a bold step in addressing environmental challenges with the launch of a new initiative off the coast of California, in partnership with SeaTrees, a key collaborator in the recently established Bentley Environmental Foundation. This project, aimed at revitalizing crucial kelp forests at three major sites, includes the reintroduction of Sunflower Stars—a species essential for curbing the destruction caused by purple sea urchins and helping to restore the delicate balance of California’s marine ecosystems.

Unveiled during an exclusive beach dinner for Bentley clients at Monterey Car Week, the initiative reflects Bentley’s ongoing commitment to sustainability under its Beyond100 strategy. The Bentley Environmental Foundation, created just last year, is part of the company’s vision for a greener future and underscores their long-term investment in solving global environmental issues.

California’s kelp forests, which have seen a staggering 90 percent loss due to climate change, have been particularly impacted by the loss of Sunflower Stars and the rise of purple sea urchins. In response, this initiative features an innovative approach—growing Sunflower Stars in laboratory conditions before releasing them into the ocean, where they can help control urchin populations and promote the recovery of the kelp forests.

Kelp itself plays a vital role in the fight against climate change, acting as a powerful carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide from both the air and sea. It also provides shelter for hundreds of marine species, offers protection for coastal areas, and adds cultural and recreational value.

This project is part of a larger collaboration between Bentley, SeaTrees, Reef Check California, and the Sunflower Star Laboratory, all of whom are working together to create the ideal conditions for kelp to thrive. The initiative also seeks to spread awareness of these efforts, inspiring others to engage in similar environmental actions.

For Bentley, this California project represents another significant milestone in their journey towards a carbon-neutral future. Through their foundation, Bentley has already partnered with Sustainable Surf, the organization behind SeaTrees, to restore ocean ecosystems. Their global efforts have included planting a million mangrove trees in Kenya and supporting similar kelp and seagrass regeneration efforts in Portugal and Spain.