The Pipe, Valve and Fitting (PVF) industry is in the midst of a significant transformation. Legacy materials aren’t cutting it anymore. With corrosion issues, damaging microbial growth and heavy repair burdens in legacy materials, it’s not surprising polyvinyl chloride’s (PVC) popularity is on the rise. But with that increased adoption comes increased customer expectations for tailored, purpose-built solutions in every market — commercial and residential plumbing, industrial process systems and municipal infrastructure. Each of these comes with its own challenges. At the same time, new regulations and standards have set a new trend in the industry: The development of more sustainable products and materials.
PVC is perfectly suited to deliver on both customer needs and lower environmental impacts. PVC’s performance benefits and adaptability enable it to be tailored to each customer’s situation and requirements. As a result, manufacturers are accelerating the development of sustainable innovations and solutions. Together, they will fuel the creation and adoption of new standards and practices across the industry.
As we look to 2025, here is how PVC is poised to reshape the PVF landscape.
A work crew installs IPEX’s Enviro-Tite DR35 42” pipe. Images courtesy of IPEX
The new standard
PVC has become the piping material of choice for infrastructure projects throughout North America and its use is projected to continue to rise. According to the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, almost 300,000 miles of North America’s municipal water pipelines are now made from PVC, with nearly three-quarters (74%) of water utilities approving the use of PVC piping applications.
That’s because the advantages over non-PVC alternatives are substantial. PVC’s durability and longevity reduce maintenance and replacement needs. That means less water loss due to corrosion compared to alternative products such as iron and concrete piping. Despite PVC pipes’ shorter history, extensive research and real-world data have validated its unrivaled durability.
A comprehensive study by the Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University examined PVC pipe excavations, testing and life cycle analyses from around the world. It confirmed that PVC pipes degrade slower than non-PVC options, boasting an estimated lifespan of more than 100 years. Additionally, a 2023 study from Utah State University found that PVC water pipes have the lowest break rates at just 2.9 breaks per 100 miles per year, outcompeting asbestos concrete (10.3), cast iron (28.6), ductile iron (5.1) and steel (9.2). Less replacing means less waste.
A work crew installs IPEX’s Centurion PVC distribution system. Images courtesy of IPEX
PVC generates a lower carbon footprint across its entire lifecycle compared to alternatives like iron, steel and copper. McKinsey research shows that PVC sewer pipes produce 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than ductile iron and 45% fewer than reinforced concrete. Scale those carbon reductions across all applications of PVF and it adds up to a big difference. On top of that, manufacturing PVC water pipes consumes only a quarter of the energy required for concrete and half the energy needed for iron pipe production. PVC delivers consistency across applications, efficiency in production and up to an astounding 100-year longevity.
Rising to meet new regulations
Oftentimes, more rigorous standards drive innovation to meet them. Manufacturers across the industry are exploring new formulations and materials to achieve increased environmental and performance regulations. Many are pioneering innovative formulations that incorporate plastic regrind and recycled materials. Others are working on lighter-weight designs without sacrificing performance or durability.
At IPEX, our investments in research and development have led to products with enhanced quality and performance, while also minimizing environmental impact. Our St. Joseph’s plant in Quebec is one example. There we have created a process that combines our internal scrap, regrind and recycled PVC from third parties to develop durable, long-lasting sewage, drainage and electrical conduit pipes.
Available in ABS and PVC, IPEX Backwater Valves offer simple and effective protection against backflow of sewage and storm water into homes and businesses. The Straight-Fit valve body design has minimal slope, making it ideal for new installations and retrofits. Backwater Valves are part of IPEX’s complete system of pipe, valves, fittings and specialty plumbing products for drainage and waste applications. Images courtesy of IPEX
Recycling PVC isn’t as broadly practiced as curbside recycling, though. As an industry, it is up to us to fix that. Otherwise, we’re leaving valuable materials in the landfill. That’s why we are also actively working to improve the collection of PVC materials from construction sites to reuse in our products.
Our significant progress on PVC sustainability is by no means done. We are continuing to innovate and work to meet the rising demand for recycled and more sustainable PVF options.
Together we have proven that meeting customer demands and reducing our environmental impacts with PVC is possible
It’s important that we continue PVC’s momentum by delivering on product and environmental performance. PVC’s durability coupled with sustainable product reformulations will drive positive impacts for customers and our planet. By embracing these trends and continuing to evolve, the industry can meet the challenges of today’s markets with environmentally-responsible solutions that will last for many years to come.
Learn more about the advantages of PVC here.
