As a global leader in outboard motor technology, Suzuki Marine is not only dedicated to delivering exceptional boating experiences but also committed to preserving the very waters its customers enjoy. The brand’s environmental initiative, the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project, is a clear testament to this ethos, targeting the health and sustainability of both coastal and inland waterways worldwide.
Launched as part of Suzuki’s broader environmental strategy, the Clean Ocean Project is built on three core pillars: the Clean-Up the World Campaign, Reducing Plastic Packaging, and the innovative Micro-Plastic Collecting Device. Together, these initiatives are making a significant impact on global waterway conservation, from addressing macro-level pollution to tackling the issue of micro-plastics.
The Clean-Up the World Campaign: A Global Movement
Since 2010, Suzuki’s Clean-Up the World Campaign has mobilised thousands of volunteers in cleaning polluted rivers, lakes, and oceans. Across 44 countries, more than 17,000 individuals have joined forces to remove waste from critical waterways, demonstrating the power of collective action. Volunteers from various Suzuki distributors, as well as members of the public, have banded together to reduce the environmental toll of pollution, with each clean-up marking a step toward restoring ecosystems.
Reducing Plastic Packaging: A Forward-Thinking Approach
While clean-up campaigns address existing waste, Suzuki is also focusing on reducing its contribution to future pollution. The company has taken proactive steps to reduce plastic packaging across its product range, switching to eco-friendly alternatives like paper-based materials. This move saves over five tons of plastic annually, underscoring Suzuki’s dedication to both innovation and environmental stewardship.
Micro-Plastic Collecting Device: A Revolutionary Solution
One of Suzuki’s most groundbreaking developments in its Clean Ocean Project is the Micro-Plastic Collecting Device (MPC). Introduced in 2022, this device is now a standard feature on select Suzuki outboard motors, allowing boaters to contribute to waterway clean-up efforts as they cruise. The MPC filters micro-plastics from the water while the engine operates, offering a seamless and effective way to reduce invisible pollutants that threaten marine life.
Cleaning Gauteng’s Hennops River: A Local Victory in a Global Battle
On 12 October 2024, Suzuki Marine South Africa joined forces with non-profit organisations Hennops Revival and Deep Water Movement to tackle one of Gauteng’s most polluted rivers, the Hennops River in Centurion, Pretoria. This river, one of the largest in the province, has been heavily impacted by urbanisation and industrial waste, putting its ecosystem under severe strain.
In line with the Clean-Up the World Campaign, the goal of this particular clean-up was to remove as much waste as possible in a concentrated effort. Volunteers, including Suzuki Marine staff, gathered with a target of collecting 50 bags of trash. However, the outcome exceeded all expectations: 241 bags of waste, totalling over 490 kilograms, were removed from the river in just two hours.
Suzuki Marine South Africa’s Marine Manager, Tanja Maes, expressed pride in the event’s success:
“Water is one of the most critical resource issues of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime, so we at Suzuki are proud to have assisted Hennops Revival and Deep Water Movement in cleansing a river right here on our doorstep.”
The collected waste, which included hazardous materials, was responsibly disposed of under the supervision of the partnering NGOs, ensuring adherence to proper environmental and legal procedures.
Beyond the Riverbanks
The success of this clean-up event highlights not only Suzuki’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also the positive ripple effect such initiatives have on local communities. By restoring the Hennops River, volunteers have not only improved the health of the waterway but have also provided a cleaner, safer environment for residents and wildlife alike.
The Suzuki Clean Ocean Project continues to be a powerful reminder of the impact that coordinated efforts can have on preserving our natural resources. With its combination of global reach and local action, Suzuki Marine is steering towards a future where waterways around the world can thrive once more.
To learn more about the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project and its ongoing initiatives, visit Suzuki Marine South Africa.
