Suzuki Micro-Plastics Filter Review | Suzuki Clean Ocean Project

Since 2011, Suzuki Marine has been committed to doing their part in promoting the ultimate marine experience through ensuring a cleaner environment. A global grass roots initiative entitled the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project was launched with the mission of reducing the introduction of plastic waste while cleaning up existing plastics from the world’s oceans.

An astonishing 150,000,000 tons of plastic waste exists in the oceans presently and an additional 8,000,000 tons of new plastic waste is introduced annually. Alarmingly only one percent of this plastic is found floating on the surface which suggests most of it is likely micro-plastics either suspended or resting on the ocean floor. The likelihood of marine animals ingesting these micro-plastics is far greater in this form. This presents a threat to the physical health of both the marine life that ingests it as well as humans who consume this seafood.

The challenges faced in trying to collect this micro-sized particulate matter are obvious. Plastic beads the size of sand are not easily recovered and as a step towards effecting a solution to this problem, Suzuki Marine has developed a system that incorporates a collector device and filter into the returning cooling water on their outboard engines.

The Micro-Plastics Collecting Device attaches easily to selected Suzuki models of 40 HP and greater. This device filters sea water after it has passed through the engine’s cooling system before it’s returned to the ocean. Extensive early testing offers lots of promise and the device successfully collects micro-particle pollution ranging from urethanes and nylon to wood particles and other foreign materials.

Suzuki’s commitment to a cleaner environment extends beyond this new device. In addition to conducting voluntary clean-up activities in 26 countries around the world, they’re committed to reducing the use of plastics in their packaging material for parts. All of these efforts promise to continue and strengthen moving forward. This campaign is an effort to not only become part of the solution but to also raise awareness of the issue while consistently taking steps forward toward a cleaner environment for future generations.

The Micro-Plastics Collecting Device is undergoing testing around the world including on commercial water taxis in Tampa Bay and is scheduled to be available as an optional accessory on Suzuki outboards first with a plan to make it standard equipment eventually. Suzuki’s effort to develop technology with an eye towards improving the environment without regard for their bottom line sets a positive example across the industry while taking steps toward a healthier ecosystem for all marine enthusiasts.

 

www.suzukimarine.com