Polyethylene pipes
Polyethylene Pipes or PE pipes, they are quickly becoming known as the most environmentally friendly pipe on the market.
While PE pipe manufacturing commenced in Australia in the 1950′s, HDPE pipes weren’t initially developed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to PVC.
However, over time, this sustainable, low-cost, and leak-proof alternative to other piping, has provided HDPE pipes with a reputation for sustainability.
In fact, polyethylene and polypropylene are now recognised by Greenpeace to be the only “future-friendly” piping material and throughout the product life cycle, from its manufacturing to end-of-life, poly pipe has been shown to have a low carbon impact on the environment.
Some of the reasons why HDPE pipe is more environmentally friendly than PVC and how Advanced Piping Systems’ poly pipe was used in Australia’s first 6-Star Green Star Rated Office Building, and which industries are driving demand for this environmentally friendly pipe option.
Less Leakage
Thanks to the unique heat fusion joining process used during installation, HDPE pipes provide the lowest rate of leakages and the highest guarantee of preservation of drinking water quality, while reducing the possibility of leakage of wastewater into the environment.
This is compared to other jointed piping materials, that can present excessive sources of leaks at connections.
Durable and Recyclable
Two of the most significant benefits of using poly pipe is its durability and recyclability.
Advanced Piping Systems HDPE pipes have a useful service life of at least 100 years, with no need for excavation during service.
When a HDPE pipe does reach the end of its lifespan, there are many opportunities for responsible recycling.
“PE pipes can be recycled again and again,” “Every piece of PE pipe – if it’s in a reasonable condition – will normally go back to the pipe manufacturer for regrinding, before being put back into the mix to make more pipe.
“Even very low-grade recycled HDPE pipe is usable, being turned into things like bumpers in car parks.”
Less Waste in Production
According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, the environmental benefits of using HDPE pipe in water and wastewater systems begins with the manufacturing process.
“Pipe produced from HDPE resin uses significantly less energy to manufacture when compared to other materials such as iron and concrete,” they write in their Position Paper on the Environmental Benefits of HDPE Pipe.
In addition, the current worldwide production of polyethylene accounts for less than one per cent of the world’s total amount of natural gas and crude oil usage.
Few Carbon Transmissions in Transportation
As an incredibly lightweight pipe product, HDPE pipes require far less fuel during transportation to their final location, when compared to other pipe materials which are much heavier.
For these reasons, poly pipe is increasingly being recognised by industry as a far more environmentally friendly option.
PE Weld Limited is a company that specialises in the supply and fusion of polyethylene pipe.
