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Minimising environmental impact of piping systems

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The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has released the results of its recent study. The report concludes that thermoplastic pipes could be the solution to minimising the environmental impact of piping systems. Averda offers pipe inspection services on these types of systems.The SAPPMA research was conducted in association with international partners. The study suggests that pipe systems made from thermoplastic pipes are more recyclable, cheaper to transport and require less maintenance than other pipe materials. Thermoplastic is lightweight but durable, making it a good alternative to concrete or metal pipes, which are prone to cracking and rusting.

Plastic versus concrete pipes

Plastic pipes are a high-quality product that can be recycled once they have reached the end of their useful life. Plastic pipes have a high recyclability and recovery rate. Unlike concrete pipes that usually get sent to landfill, plastic pipes can be recycled into a number of useful plastic products.The wall thickness and mass per metre of plastic pipes mean that less energy is required to manufacture, transport and install plastic pipes. Concrete pipes are heavy and harder to transport. This results in more carbon dioxide emissions during the transportation and installation phases of concrete piping systems.Plastic pipes have a smaller carbon footprint than concrete pipes. They are also cheaper to transport due to their lightweight. The environmental impact of plastic pipes is lower than that of concrete.

Plastic pipes better for environment

“The dramatic increase in the size of the world’s population and the corresponding strain this places on infrastructure has placed the focus on assessing the net impact products have on the environment,” says SAPPMA CEO, Jan Venter.“From an environmental and economic point of view, engineers are recognising that investing in plastic pipes make sense because it allows them to do a lot more with the same amount of energy or money they would have spent on traditional materials because they offer a design lifespan of 100 years,” explains Venter.If a plastic pipe bursts, it is cheaper and quicker to replace than other piping materials. Averda has various technologies to inspect pipes, including sonar, internal imaging equipment and robotics. We are able to map and inspect piping systems.___Averda is a leading waste management provider with over 50 years of experience across three continents. Through growth, transformation and engagement, we strive to find new ways of managing waste while protecting the community and environment. ___By pairing international expertise with local insights, we have secured our position as one of South Africa’s most respected providers of waste management and industrial cleaning services. We also operate in the recycling, pipe inspection, CCTV, infrastructure inspection, hydro-demolition, high-pressure water jetting and catalyst handling industries. ___Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for the best tips on recycling and the latest industry news. See our Instagram and YouTube channels for more insights into environmental affairs and our work with local communities.