U.S. plastics pipe growth accelerating: report

Plastics is forecast to see the fastest growth rate of materials used to make large diameter pipes in the US over the next few years, according to a new study by market research firm The Freedonia Group.

The study forecasts demand for plastics pipe to rise from 37.8 million feet in 2007 to 49.6 million feet in 2012. This growth of 5.6 pre cent per annum is an acceleration of the rate of 3.4 per cent shown in the 2002-2007 period.

Plastics is growing much faster than other materials such as concrete, which is the dominant material but is set to rise by only 2.0 per cent per annum to 109.3 million feet in 2012, according to the report, with the total US market for large diameter pipe predicted to reach 203.4 million feet in 2012, increasing at a rate of 2.7 per cent per annum from 178.1 million feet in 2007.

Storm sewers will remain the leading large diameter pipe market, although better growth is anticipated in natural gas and drainage/irrigation applications, said Freedonia.

The research group said the “excellent performance” of HDPE pipe in gas distribution would be a major factor in the gas market growth, as will increased exploration and drilling activity.

The strong growth anticipated for plastic pipe is in light of resin and machinery improvements, as well as good joint integrity, excellent corrosion resistance and flow rates, and lower installation costs.

According to Freedonia, resin advances that will extend the pressure resistance and other properties of large diameter plastic pipe will help market penetration by plastic pipe. The group expects the best opportunities for large diameter PVC pipe.

For more information on the study, visit this link.

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