Suzuki launches microplastic collecting outboards

Suzuki has started production of five mid-size outboard motors with what is said to be the world’s first microplastic collecting device as standard equipment.

In October 2020 Suzuki announced the development of a microplastic collecting device, which can be equipped to outboard motors so that microplastics near the water surface can be collected as the boat runs.

Since the announcement, monitoring surveys were conducted in 14 countries, including Japan, the USA and in Europe, and improvements were made to the device. This month production of five models (DF140BG, DF115BG, DF140B, DF115B, and DF100C) has started with the device as standard equipment.

The microplastic collecting outboards will be shipped worldwide, including to major markets such as North America and Europe.

Marine plastic waste that flows into the ocean has become a significant environmental issue, and microplastics that are further crushed in the natural environment have an impact on ecosystems.

The installation of the device on Suzuki’s outboard motors is one of the three activities of the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project, which is the company’s commitment to address the marine plastics issue. Alongside the development of the microplastic collecting device, the two other project initiatives are:

Clean-Up the World Campaign
A volunteer waterside clean-up campaign by Suzuki Group employees and partners, conducted from 2011. By March 2022, 53 distributors and more than 10,000 people worldwide had participated.

Reduce plastic packaging
Suzuki aims to reduce the plastic packaging for outboard motors and genuine parts by asking:’Can we stop using it? Can we reduce the amount? Can we replace it with materials of less environmental impact?’ Since October 2020, over 11t in plastic packaging has been saved.