HIGH-QUALITY PLASTIC PIPES SUSTAIN ESSENTIAL SERVICES

As the custodian of quality in its sector, the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) continues to advocate the importance of maintaining the highest standards in the production of thermoplastic products.

The purpose and mission of SAPPMA are to create absolute customer confidence in the plastics pipe industry, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and dynamic growth in this allimportant sector. To this end, SAPPMA is a voluntary, self-regulating, nonprofit association that represents approximately 80% of the plastic pipe manufacturers and other stakeholders in the Southern African market, and is recognised by design engineers and customers as the quality control gatekeeper.

“Plastic piping is used across the complete spectrum of many industries, including mining, civil, irrigation, industrial, telecommunications and building. Around 150 000 tonnes of pipe (PVC and HDPE) are produced annually in South Africa, representing many thousands of kilometres,” says Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA.

“The integrity of these networks, built up over many years, is of critical importance, serving the water supply and sewage disposal needs of many millions of people. This clearly highlights the need for a responsible, ethical and quality-conscious industry,” he continues.

In terms of its Code of Conduct, SAPPMA monitors its own members in terms of product quality and full adherence to all relevant national standards, based on international best practice. SAPPMA members also commit to independent and unannounced factory audits, along with sample testing.

Stemming water losses

The reality is that South Africa is a dry country and, given the rising demand for clean drinking water and inconsistent rainfall, it’s clear that current pipeline leakages – estimated at around 40% on average – can no longer be tolerated. That makes quality a top priority for any product or systems designed to support sustained potable water supply, with the added need for optimum life-cycle utilisation.

“HDPE and PVC pipes answer this call with distinction. In addition, they are highly suitable for the rehabilitation of old pipelines,” adds Venter.

“So, plastic is clearly no longer an alternative pipe material. It has grown to a dominant position in piping systems worldwide, with an estimated share of more than 50%.

This is supported by independent market surveys in South Africa, which indicate similar dominance in sizes up to 1 000 mm diameter,” Venter concludes.