Concrete pipes pip plastic

Concrete is the most environmentally friendly material for drainage pipes, according to the results of a unique investigation by Dutch researchers obtained by Contract Journal.

The Dutch report is expected to send further shock waves through the plastic pipe sector, following controversy over large diameter products due to doubts over resistance to water jetting pressures and problems with rats.

The report by Dutch consultant Intron was based on a life-cycle assessment of plastics, clays and concrete.

One conclusion of the report is that "when compared with PVC (solid wall and triple layer), it appears that concrete scores the best on all environmental measures."

The Dutch researchers note that this finding contradicts research done elsewhere which, they say, estimated the energy consumption to produce concrete as being too high. They note that "energy consumption appears to be decisive for the environmental impact of sewer pipes."

The research concludes that, compared to PVC and vitrified clay pipes, "it is concrete which scores best on all environmental measures" - a result which the researchers admit surprised them.

The concrete Pipe Association told CJ that it welcomed the "important research."