Sustainable Product

PE pipe systems have many environmental advantages over traditional materials.

Recyclable and demanding less energy

At the end of its useful service life, PE pipes can be easily recycled. They require less energy in production than alternative piping materials. According to the PE100+ Association, PE pipe has ten times less environmental impact than the equivalent ductile pipe. This is based on full life cycle analysis, which takes into account not only energy consumption, but also other factors such as effects from emissions.

Less leakage

PE pipes have an advantage in leak resistance over traditional piping materials. This is because they need fewer joints, as they can be produced, transported and installed in longer lengths. Typically, clay and concrete pipes have 2 or 3 times the number of joints of plastic pipelines. Furthermore, the butt or electro-fusion processes used to join PE pipes provide stronger, tighter, more leak proof joints.

Superb corrosion and chemical resistance

Plastics pipe will not corrode, tuberculate or support biological growth. They also offer a high level of chemical resistance to a wide range of substances found in both effluent and contaminated soils, making them the materials of choice in harsh chemical environments. Freedom from corrosion ensures that hydraulic characteristics are superb and will remain so, minimising water losses and pumping costs over the lifetime of the system.

Lightweight, strong and long-lasting

Because PE pipes are light in weight, they require less energy for transportation, handling and installation, if compared with traditional materials. PE pipes have the flexibility to tolerate ground movement without cracking, whilst at the same time being sufficiently strong to prevent excessive deformation under the combined effects of backfill and traffic loading. Long system life (typically 100 years) and reduced maintenance costs, lead to energy savings over the long term.

Trenchless installations

PE pipes are the number one choice for trenchless installations, which reduce the need for restoration and roadway reconstruction and allow work under rivers and lakes with less disruption to the environment.

Products that promote good sustainable practice – Excel 3C

GPS continues seek environmental improvements to its product offering, for example with introduction of its innovative Excel 3C pipe coil. It is kinder to the environment, as it cuts down on the number of chlorination treatments required, reducing time on site, chemical usage and waste.