TPi March 2013

plast ic and composi te innovat ions

High heat stability for PPR pipes and fittings

provides the benefits of durability and resistance to corrosion.

Developed in response to the needs of customers in the Asia markets, the new grade demonstrates SABIC’s in-depth understanding of pipe requirements and the pipe manufacturing process. “This new offering, together with our existing high density polyethylene pipe portfolio, reflects SABIC’s ambitions and commitment to deliver on customers’ needs for one-stop solutions in the pipe industry,” said Gary Lam, regional business manager, PP, Asia Pacific.

SABIC has launched polypropylene (PP) random copolymer grade PP651H for pipes and fittings for the Asia market. SABIC ismarketing the product through its offices and providing close technical support for customers in the application of the new grade in countries such as China, Vietnam and Indonesia, amongst others. The new grade, with high molecular weight and special additive package, provides high heat stability and high extraction resistance for demanding pressure pipe applications, especially in the transportation of hot water of up to boiling point. PP651H also

Pipe made with SABIC’s PP651H

SABIC – Saudi Arabia sappl@sabic.com.sg www.sabic.com

Global market for plastic pipes Pipes made from plastics have advantages compared to those made from other materials such as aluminium, concrete, cast iron, copper and steel. of challenging the dominance of PVC pipes in potable water supply, they are already playing a notable part in both gas supply and in industrial applications,” said Oliver Kutsch, Ceresana CEO.

just above 50 per cent of total global demand.

North America ranks second, followed by Western Europe. In the past, developing countries in Asia-Pacific have already been able to profit from the dynamic development of sales markets for plastic pipes. Market researchers at Ceresana expect Asian-Pacific countries to increase their market share of global demand to more than 60 per cent by 2019. Ceresana’s report provides a presentation and analysis of the market for plastic pipes, including forecasts up to 2019, with revenues as well as production and demand split by product type for every region. It also examines the 16 largest countries of the market in greater detail, with substantiated analysis of individual fields of application for plastic pipes, as well as providing profiles of the largest manufacturers.

Due to their low weight, their resistance to corrosive effects and chemicals as well as the simple handling increases their importance in all application areas. The market research institute Ceresana is forecasting total global revenues of more than US$80mn by 2019. Plastic pipes are mainly used in the areas of sewage, potable water and gas supply, cable protection, agriculture and industry; they are likely to gain further importance in the future. Depending on the application area, the importance of different types of plastics used varies considerably. For example, pipes made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are relatively cheap and are thus used extensively in the sewage, potable water and cable protection sectors.

During the upcoming years, the utilisation of other plastics, such as polybutylene, polyamide and acrylonitrile-butadiene- styrene, is likely to become more and more widespread. Among others, these pipes are used for speciality applications such as ceiling cooling, compressed air systems, heating installations, and construction of automobiles and naval vessels. However, PVC will remain the major raw material for the pipe industry, with an expected market share of more than 55 per cent. The second most important material is polyethylene, HDPE in particular. For this type, forecast market shares vary greatly depending on region, and were between 28 and 45 per cent in 2011.

Ceresana – Germany info@ceresana.com www.ceresana.com

A major sales market for plastic pipes is Asia-Pacific, which accounts for

“While pipes based on polypropylene and polyethylene are still in the process

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March 2013 Tube Products International