Suzuki develops the world’s first micro-plastic collecting device for outboard motors

Suzuki Motor Corporation has developed what’s said to be the world’s first Micro-Plastic Collecting Device for installation on outboard motors.

To help tackle the issue of micro plastics in the ocean’s ecosystem, Suzuki has focused on the structure of the outboard motor, which pumps up tons of seawater to cool the engine and then returns it to the ocean.

Suzuki has developed a device which collects micro-plastic waste from the returning water, meaning that micro-plastic waste can be extracted from the seawater just by running the engine.

Easy to install to the return hose, it does not affect the engine performance as it only utilises the returning water that has been used to cool the engine.

Mark Beeley, Head of Marine & ATV for Suzuki GB, says: “This marks the first time in marine industry history that an outboard motor cooling system has been utilised to extract micro-plastics from the seawater. We are really excited by this announcement and I must commend the factory on this ground-breaking development which is part of Suzuki’s continuing determination to devise innovative solutions that mitigate the serious impact of plastic waste on our natural environment.”

During monitoring research conducted in Japan, a substantial amount of micro-plastic waste was found within the substances collected in the filter. Research is also being conducted internationally with further improvements scheduled for the device going forward.

Suzuki plans to introduce the device as option from 2021, incorporating it as a standard feature in the future.