Yamaha Motor and Partners Develop High-Cycle SMC, Cutting Molding Time and CO2 by 20% for Outboard Motors
Yamaha Motor, Yamaha Marine, and Japan Composite have co-developed High-Cycle SMC, a paintable material that reduces molding cycle time by 20% and is projected to lower CO₂ emissions by 20%, now used in outboard motor c…
- 20%
- 20%
- 2025
- 2035
What Happened
Yamaha Motor Co., Yamaha Marine Co., and Japan Composite Co. have co-developed High-Cycle SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), a paintable material that reduces molding cycle time by 20% compared to conventional materials. Since 2025, the material has been used for the powerhead cowling of Yamaha outboard motors, contributing to improved production efficiency and reduced environmental impact. The outboard motors using the material are manufactured by Yamaha Marine, a Yamaha Motor group company.
20%reduction
High-Cycle SMC reduces molding cycle time and is projected to lower CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to conventional materials.
- 20% faster
- 20% lower (projected)
- Lower
Yamaha Motor is working to be carbon-neutral across its supply chain by 2050 under its Environmental Plan 2050. Additionally, it has accelerated plans to achieve carbon neutrality at its manufacturing sites, including group companies, by 2035. The adoption of High-Cycle SMC is part of these efforts.
Why this matters
This innovation improves production efficiency and reduces environmental impact by lowering thermal energy needed for molding. It supports Yamaha Motor's goal to achieve carbon neutrality at its manufacturing sites by 2035 and across its supply chain by 2050. The material's adoption on outboard motors, manufactured by Yamaha Marine, demonstrates a practical step toward these targets.
Terms in This Story
- SMC
- Sheet Molding Compound, a thermosetting resin material used in molding processes.
- Thermosetting resin
- A type of polymer that permanently hardens when heated and cannot be remelted.
- Cycle time
- The total time required for one complete molding process from filling the mold to removing the finished piece.
- Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- Greenhouse gas emissions from a company's own activities (Scope 1) and from purchased energy (Scope 2).
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.