--- title: "Yamaha Engine Components To Be Made From Lighter, More Recyclable Wood Fibers" description: "Yamaha is going to begin replacing its plastic engine components with ones made from recyclable wood fibers in 2024." date: "2022-12-04" modified: "2022-12-04" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/yamaha-engine-components-to-be-made-from-lighter-more-recyclable-wood-fibers" categories: - "Car Tech" - "News" --- # Yamaha Engine Components To Be Made From Lighter, More Recyclable Wood Fibers ![]() Yamaha is starting to replace some of the plastic components of its engines with lighter, more recyclable ones. And it's doing so by making them out of wood. It's called CNF (Cellulose nanofiber resin composite) and it's made by kneading wood fibers into resins, such as polypropylene. CNF resin is 25 percent lighter than the current resins used in engine components and it's far more recyclable. Additionally, because it uses fewer plastics, CO2 emissions from the manufacturing of plastics are reduced. So CNF resin is more sustainable on both the front and back end of its manufacturing—it reduces emissions as its made and its recyclability means CNF parts can continue to replace plastics even after they've been used. ![]() Don't expect to see any major engine components made from CNF, though. It's not like [Yamaha]() is going to be making wood fiber cylinder heads or engine blocks anytime soon. However, for certain parts that use plastic housings, such as thermostats, water pumps, or even engine pulleys, CNF works perfectly. And if Yamaha can switch entirely to CNF for such parts, it can drastically reduce its manufacturing CO2 emissions. At the moment, such parts will only be used on personal watercraft, like [WaveRunners](), and sport boats, starting in 2024. But that's just the beginning. Yamaha is also looking into using CNF parts for its motorcycles, as well as other products. It will also be interesting to see if other brands start doing the same, as sustainable manufacturing is becoming more and more necessary among automakers. To make the parts, Yamaha partnered with Nippon Paper Industries in Tokyo and, according to Yamaha and Nippon, it will be the world's first usage of CNF in vehicle components. Both brands will also continue their research into CNF to see where else it can be utilized and what other components can be made from it. *Got tips? Send them to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()