Use of Recycled Material in Plastic Pipes

Australia’s plastic pipeline infrastructure is vital to the way we live today, delivering essential services and utilities to our homes and communities.

Plastic pipe systems distribute drinking water, gas, and electricity. They protect the network of wires and cables that provide electricity, internet, and telephone services. They are widely used in irrigation systems for food production. And they safely convey sewage and stormwater, protecting the health of our communities and waterways.

As a vital component of critical infrastructure, plastic pipes are engineered to last a very long time. The plastic pipes industry has developed detailed Australian Standards and technical specifications, ensuring plastic pipe systems are designed and manufactured to perform safely, reliably, and effectively for at least 100 years.

Across the infrastructure and construction industries, there is a strong focus on the sustainability of plastics pipes and fittings. As demand for recycled products increases, specifiers and procurers must understand the:

• range of sustainability benefits offered by plastic pipes systems
• the opportunities and technical limitations of using recycled content in products
• limited supply of suitable recycled material available for use.

The Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia – PIPA has addressed these areas with the publication of their discussion paper “The use of recycled material in plastic pipes” which provides understanding and insights into these key areas. To compliment the discussion paper PIPA has also published an Industry Technical Guideline POP208 which defines the specification and testing requirements for recycled post-consumer and pre-consumer materials. It provides further guidance on the evaluation and use of these recycled materials in non-pressure pipe applications, providing a pathway for future Standards development and ensuring due to their important role in society they must be fit for purpose, regardless of their composition.

To view PIPA’s discussion paper,  Industry Technical Guideline and find out more about PIPA visit – https://pipa.com.au/publications/