Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd has announced it has adopted the use of plant-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforced resin for parts in its 2024 models of WaveRunner personal watercraft and sports boats being sold in North America.
This initiative is another step toward reducing CO2 emissions and the company’s environmental footprint. This is the world’s first*1 case of mass-producing vehicle parts using this material.
The CNF reinforced resin part being mass-produced is the engine cover*2 for power units and has been developed in collaboration with Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. Yamaha Motor is also examining the greater use of various cellulose fibres not only in marine products but also in motorcycles and a wide range of other Yamaha products in the future.
What Is CNF Reinforced Resin
CNF reinforced resin is a new high-strength material that is manufactured by kneading and dispersing CNF – a biomass material made from wood resources – into resins such as polypropylene. In addition to being more than 25% lighter than existing resin materials, it also has excellent material recyclability, reducing the amount of plastics used and greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2.
In line with its new Medium-Term Management Plan (2022–2024) announced in February 2022, Yamaha Motor is strengthening its efforts for sustainability, seeking to contribute to creating a more sustainable world. Going forward, to accelerate the carbon offsetting initiatives necessary for achieving its goals, the company will continue promoting the research and development of technologies that contribute to sustainability.
*1: Based on Yamaha Motor and Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. research
*2: Some models are not using this part.
