The pressure pipe market in Europe accounted for over 570,000 tonnes of thermoplastic materials in 2002. The market though has been showing only limited growth over the past three years with demand depressed by the maturity of the market, slow economic growth, especially in Germany and reduced infrastructure investments.
Demand for PVC in water pressure pipe accounted for 27% of the total market, but the sector has been declining. This is largely because of growing awareness of polyethylene’s versatility. In contrast to PVC the use of polyethylene has been displaying growth of 2 to 3% per year. PE water potable systems accounted for almost half of the total market in 2002. Growth has been driven by substitution of ductile iron and PVC systems.
The total market for PE gas pipes was around 140,000 tonnes in 2002. Demand tends to fluctuate in this sector depending on the investment decisions of the gas network providers within each country.
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