PLASTIC PIPE – A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

The design, specification and selection of a piping system is a complex process. Flow capacity, service pressure and temperature, flow-stream characteristics, installation considerations, system maintenance requirements, life cycle costs and much more must be carefully considered as the system designer and end-user work through the various stages of piping system design and installation. Sustainability has quickly risen within the myriad of dimensions that enter into this decision-making process. With its inherent ductility, durability, chemical and corrosion resistance, and proven performance capability in extremely demanding applications such as potable water, natural gas distribution, nuclear safety water and numerous others, plastic pipe has become a responsible investment in sustainability from the system owner, end-user and social perspective.

The plastics pipe industry is committed to sustainability and the pursuit of a circular economy. From material production to pipe and fitting manufacturing to delivery and installation at the job-site, our industry is committed to the responsible use of plastic piping to ensure maximum benefit to society with minimum impact on the environment.

Plastic feedstocks for the production of pipe have historically been produced using crude oil or natural gas. Today, initiatives are underway to utilize bio-feedstocks, waste oils or lubricants and recycled plastics to produce the feedstock for pipe and fittings production.

At the pipe producer, provisions are in place for the use of re-work material in the manufacturing process. Additionally, some applications allow for the qualification and use of recycled post-consumer recycled plastic articles in the manufacture of the pipe.

At the job-site, efforts are underway to reclaim residual pipe segments or discards for use in the production of various consumer products.

As can be seen here, the plastics pipe industry is committed to actionable processes that ensure the responsible use of our products as we pursue a circular approach to the use of our products.