Plastic pipes have replaced conventional pipes in the last 50 years particularly in the water transportation segment. PVC pipe has over 80% share compared to about 12-15% share of Poyolefin pipes of HDPE and of late of PP. Recent observations of better performance of HDPE pipes, in the earthquake affected areas, compared to PVC on account of their better toughness have provided an impetus to higher growth of HDPE pipes in potable water distribution. PP pipes on account of better heat resistance, compared to PVC, are making inroads in the sewerage segment. These changes certainly could increase the share of Polyolefinic pipes in the next few years. The technological developments, on material developments in the areas of bi-modal MWD (Molecular Weight Distribution) and increased ability to achieve higher design stress from 80 Mpa to the present one of 100 Mpa, and the likely new materials of 125 Mpa would reduce the gap between PVC having 250 Mpa design pressure & HDPE in terms of design capabilities.

However, PVC pipes also have seen new developments that could help them maintain their market share. The new mono-axially oriented PVC pipe could provide the same strength with 10% lower material usage. Similarly, the new Core foam PVC pipe system with an inner layer of foamed PVC could also achieve material savings without adversely affecting strength. The toughness of the PVC pipe could be enhanced to the same level of the HDPE pipe by incorporation of impact modifiers and still achieve design pressure of 200 Mpa -much higher than that of HDPE pipe. These parallel developments in HDPE and PVC would contribute to the changes in the market scenario of plastics pipes in the next few years. It is quite possible that Polyolefinic pipes would take away some market share as some of the leading HDPE producers have been conducting extensive and aggressive market development activities for quite a few years.