Working for the interests of the plastic pipes industry

The PLASTIC PIPES GROUP [PPG] of the British Plastics Federation has been representing UK manufacturers of plastic pipes and fittings since 1961. 

The importance of plastics as a material for pipework continues to grow steadily and they have already achieved significant shares of each category market. For example, it is estimated that plastics now account for over 53% of all new buried pressure and non-pressure installations in the UK. 

In 2004, the estimated combined turnover of the UK manufacturers of plastic piping systems was £680 million and the industry employed some 7000 people.

In Europe, the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association [TEPPFA] estimate that the combined European turnover for “Old Europe” is €10 billion with some 30,000 direct employees.

THE ROLES OF THE PPG

Core purpose

At the core of its activities, the PPG is dedicated to promoting the development, acceptance and usage of manufactured plastics piping systems at all levels in the Building, Construction, Civil and Utilities Industries.

This embraces the full spectrum of above and below ground applications, including:

·                  Rainwater drainage

·                  Soil & Waste pipework

·                  Hot & Cold water internal plumbing

·                  Pipework for Radiator heating systems and Underfloor heating

·                  Underground drainage and sewerage

·                  Pipework for Land drainage

·                  Ducting for cabling and communications alongside highways

·                  Pressure pipes for Water and Gas mains distribution

International representation

The directorate of the PPG, as well as representatives of its member organisations, also regularly contribute to the work and debate of international bodies wherever this is relevant to UK industry interests.

The PPG is a founder member of TEPPFA.  It also seeks to ensure an active representative presence at any international forum whose agenda could impact on the UK industry.

Monitoring and developing standards

A crucial role – both at home and abroad – is participation in the committee structures which review and develop British, European and International standards. 

The PPG is therefore at the heart of the process of defining the accepted practices for the use of plastic pipes – and of managing desirable adjustment to those standards whenever technological progress or changes in statutory regimes require it.

Serving the information needs of members

In addition to representation of their interests, the PPG is also concerned to keep its members fully up-to-date with developments – technological, statutory, regulatory or practical – which relate to the industry as a whole rather than to individual company interests.

To this end, the PPG provides a full technical advisory service to its member manufacturers – and, through those members, to the specifiers, installers and stockists of their products.  This may include – for example – disseminating details, interpretation and evaluation of newly-established standards relating to plastic pipe applications.  

Advice is also provided, in the form of technical bulletins and guidance notes. These cover such topics as the principles of Good Practice in the application, usage and installation of plastic pipe systems; and advice pertinent to live issues in the public domain – of which the Environment and recycling are notable subjects.

Defending the interests of plastics pipes

The PPG is constantly ‘on watch’ for any potentially negative publicity arising from the statements or activities of external organisations or groups.  It is accordingly committed to mounting, when necessary and as appropriate, a rapid and robust defence of plastic pipes as a product category and material, and of the collective interests of member manufacturers.