Sep 20, 2022
Outboards With a Microplastic Collection Device
Suzuki has begun production of the world’s first outboard motor that collects microplastic pieces in the ocean as it runs. The initiative to develop such a design for their motors is a part of Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project. Five mid-size outboard motors with this attachment are being made at the moment. Worldwide shipments of the engines will be made, notably to important markets in North America and Europe. “Since 2010, Suzuki Motor Corporation has been voluntarily conducting the ‘Clean-up the World Campaign’ essentially a collection of organised clean-up activities in seas, rivers, lakes, and ponds where the outboard motors are used” (www.suzukimarine.com/clean-ocean-project).
(Source: www.suzuki.com)
How Does It Work?
Select Suzuki outboard models with 40 hp and more are said to have the device installed under the cowling, and installation is said to be simple. The device filters water after it has pass through the engines cooling system before it is returned to the ocean. According to Suzuki, the system’s design ensures that it has no negative effects on the engine’s cooling capacity or performance while driving.
Is It Effective?
The device successfully collected microplastics in the oceans after extensive testing in Japan. Further improvements will be made based on more findings after continued use. The filtering system has already shown that it can capture many different types of microparticle pollution, including urethane, nylon, and wood chips, among other things.
(Source: Hakai Magazine)
The Dangers of Microplastics
The risks that these tiny pieces of debris, commonly known as microplastics, pose to fish, marine animals, and other aquatic life are well known to marine biologists and the scientific community. This is a problem that extends beyond national borders and is negatively affecting our oceans. It will need a collaborative effort from the business sector, the scientific community, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world to solve this issue. The Suzuki outboards that collect microplastics are a huge step in the positive direction to helping conserve oceans.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Overview of SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT
1. Clean-Up the World Campaign
A volunteer waterside clean-up campaign by Suzuki Group employees and partners, conducted from 2011. Until March 2022, 53 distributors and more than 10,000 people worldwide have participated in total. From this year we will expand and further continue the campaign.
2. Reduce plastic packaging
Suzuki aims to reduce the plastic packaging for outboard motors and genuine parts, under the keywords “1) Can we stop using it? 2) Can we reduce the amount? 3) Can we replace it with materials of less environmental impact?”. Since its start in October 2020, we have avoided using over 11t in plastic packaging. We aim to further reduce plastics in 2022 by increasing the number of applicable products and genuine parts.
3. Collect marine-plastic waste (equipment of the Micro-Plastic Collecting Device)
Suzuki aims for the further improvement of marine environment and the realization of a sustainable society, by promoting the SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, along with our customers all over the world.
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