Suzuki Motor Corporation has begun production of 5 mid-size outboard motors with the world's first Micro-Plastic Collecting Device (MPC), as standard equipment.
A huge amount of marine plastic waste that flows into the ocean has become a significant environmental issue in recent years, and micro-plastics that are further crushed in the natural environment are concerned to have an impact on ecosystems.
To tackle these issues, in October 2020 Suzuki announced the development of a Micro-Plastic Collecting Device that can be equipped to outboard motors. By installing this device to outboard motors, micro-plastics near the water surface can be collected simply by running the boat. After the announcement, monitoring surveys were conducted in 14 countries, including Japan, the United States and Europe, and improvements were made to the device.
The 5 models (DF140BG, DF115BG, DF140B, DF115B, and DF100C) started production with the device as standard equipment, available from the fourth quarter of 2022. The Micro-Plastic Collecting Device will also be available as a spare part to prior models of DF100C, DF115B and DF140B at $500 RRP*
Overview of SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT
1. Clean-Up the World Campaign
A volunteer waterside clean-up campaign by Suzuki Group employees and partners was conducted in 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 realisation of a sustainable society, by promoting the SUZUKI CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, along with our customers all over the world.
* RRP based on time of publication, August 5th 2022.