The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has issued an urgent warning to the plastic pipe industry, cautioning against the growing and dangerous trend of manufacturing HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pressure pipes using recycled materials from external sources.

Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA, cautions that this practice, which violates both international and national standards (ISO/SANS 4427-2), is not only illegal but also poses a significant risk to public health and infrastructure reliability. Despite repeated warnings, the association reports that the use of sub-standard “80/20” pipes – made with 80% virgin material and 20% recycled material – is still prevalent in the local market.

“The use of recycled material from external sources in pressure pipe systems is strictly prohibited for a reason. It drastically compromises the performance and lifespan of the pipe, and when used for potable water, it could have serious health implications. Our industry cannot afford to cut corners for the sake of cost-saving. The long-term risks and financial consequences are simply too high,” Venter warns.

SAPPMA points out that the relevant HDPE pipe standards only allow for the inclusion of reprocessed material originating from a manufacturer’s own, in-house production scrap. Since no pipe manufacturer generates 20% internal waste, any pipe labelled as 80/20 will, by default, contain external recycled material – making it non-compliant with the national product standards and SAPPMA’s Code of Conduct.

The consequences of using these inferior products include:

• A drastically shortened operating life, resulting in unexpected and costly failures.
• Disruption of critical services due to premature pipe bursts or leaks.
• Health risks, especially when used to convey drinking water.
• Legal and reputational risks associated with transgressing standards.

“As pipes form part of long-term infrastructure investments, short-term cost savings should never come at the expense of safety and quality,” Venter added. “We’ve seen real-world examples where this cost-cutting measure has backfired spectacularly, causing millions of rands in damages and service interruptions.”

To support the industry in making informed choices, SAPPMA continues to provide training, resources, and technical guidance. A recent webinar hosted by the association featured insights from a European expert who confirmed that the dangers associated with using recycled content in pressure pipes are universal and well-documented.

SAPPMA urges engineers, buyers, and municipalities to consult the Guide to assist buyers of plastic piping systems available on their website at www.sappma.co.za, and to reach out directly for any clarification on product compliance and standards.