Plastic Pipes Market
The plastic pipes market is competitive and dynamic, owing to the robust presence of global and small-scale plastic pipe manufacturers. Pricing pressure, technological innovations, and changing demands are a few factors that can contribute to a competitive environment. Differentiation based on product quality, customer service, or geographic presence are a few of the major strategies used by players operating in the plastic pipes market to gain a competitive edge. Major companies adopt strategies such as mergers and acquisitions and innovative product launches to enhance their customer base. Manufacturers are also involved in the research and development of plastic pipes to enhance product efficiency and cater to varying customer requirements.
Asia Pacific held the largest share of the global plastic pipes market in 2023. The rise in government initiatives for water and wastewater management across emerging economies of Asia Pacific drives market growth. Advancements in the oil & gas and construction industries are fostering in the region due to increased investments in residential and commercial construction and urbanization. The growth in residential and commercial construction positively influences the demand for building materials such as plastic pipes. China is one of the growing economies with high-skilled labor force. Additionally, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are economies that are considered an attractive destination for companies looking for manufacturing hubs and low labor costs. The growth of construction and oil & gas industries is driving the market growth in the region.
Plastic Pipes Market: Segmental Overview
Based on type, the plastic pipes market is bifurcated into corrugated and smoothwall. The smoothwall segment accounted for a larger market share in 2023. Smoothwall pipes require minimal maintenance costs over their lifespan, as they are less prone to leaks and breaks. The increased need for efficient water management systems and growth in the agriculture sector contribute to the demand for smoothwall plastic pipes.
By material type, the market is segmented into polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and others. The polyvinyl chloride segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) segment held the second-largest share of the market in 2023. HDPE pipes are extensively used in water supply systems, gas distribution networks, sewer systems, and mining and geothermal systems. HDPE pipes offer flexibility, durability at high temperatures, and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for geothermal systems. HDPE pipes utilize a joint fuse mechanism, eliminating the requirement for mechanical fittings and reducing the risk of leakage. HDPE pipes can be recycled and have a lower carbon footprint than other materials used in pipe manufacturing. The utilization of HDPE pipes in the oil and gas application contributes to global sustainability efforts and boosts market growth.
By application, the market is segmented into water supply, sewage and drainage, irrigation, gas distribution, and others. The water supply segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. The sewage and drainage segment held the second-largest share of the market in 2023. Plastic pipes are safe, reliable, and long-lasting, strengthening their scope in the water industry. These pipes offer better hydraulic performance than steel, ductile iron, and concrete and can benefit plant operators by reducing operating costs. In the past few years, the installation of plastic pipes has gained prevalence in service water treatment and groundwater rehabilitation. Government organizations of various economies have issued strict directives and guidelines concerning wastewater treatment that mandate several industries to remove undesirable compounds from wastewater before disposal.
By end-use industry, the market is segmented into construction and infrastructure, water and wastewater management, oil and gas, and others. The construction and infrastructure segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. The water and wastewater management segment held the second-largest share of the market in 2023. Rapid urbanization and expansion of infrastructure are primary drivers for the demand for plastic pipes in water and wastewater management. The rising investment by governments and construction companies in residential and commercial projects has contributed to the development of extensive piping networks for water supply and wastewater collection.
Plastic Pipes Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments
The key players in the plastic pipes market include JM Eagle Inc, Uponor Corp, Georg Fischer Ltd, Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd, China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd, Astral Poly Technik Limited, Finolex Industries Ltd, Genuit Group Plc, Formosa Plastics Corp, Vasen Europe, Luna Plast, Orbia, Aliaxis Holdings SA, and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. The market players offer innovative products at affordable prices that attract a large number of consumers, which would open new opportunities for them in the coming years. The plastic pipes market forecast can help stakeholders plan their growth strategies.
Key Developments:
- Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) announced its plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Lake Wales, Florida. ADS produces large quantities of corrugated plastic pipe. The project is expected to break ground in 2024 on a 100-acre site. (Plastics Technology, Company website, 2023)
- Uponor has produced the world’s first circular Uponor PEX pipe based on 100% chemically recycled raw material derived from the company’s own PEX pipe production waste, using an ISCC PLUS-certified mass-balancing approach. This groundbreaking solution was enabled by cooperation between Uponor, Wastewise, Neste, and Borealis, which have successfully managed to chemically recycle PEX pipe manufacturing waste on an industrial scale back to plastic raw material. (Uponor Corporation, Company website, 2023)
