Polyolefin Pipe Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2024-2031)

Global Polyolefin Pipe Market is segmented By Type (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Plastomer), By Application (Irrigation, Potable & Plumbing, Wastewater Drainage, Power & Communication, Oil flow line, Dredging pipeline, Fire Networks, Others), By End-User (Building & Construction, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Mining, Municipal, Telecommunication, Industrial, Others), and by Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Polyolefin Pipe Market Size, Demand Insights

The "global polyolefin pipe market" is expected to grow at a high CAGR of YY% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Polyolefin Pipe Market Scope and Summary

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Utility businesses worldwide are familiar with polyolefin (PO) pipelines used for water and gas distribution and sewage and wastewater disposal. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) pipes are increasingly used in many industrial and mining applications. Because of their better resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and chemical assault, PE and PP pipelines are increasingly replacing metallic systems.

When compared to other pipe materials, polyolefin polymers have outstanding abrasion resistance. PE has a 4-6 times lower wear rate than steel, which has replaced metal pipes in mine tailing slurry lines. PE and PP pipelines are typically designed for operation at 20°C in subsurface water and gas distribution systems. However, polyolefin pipelines can function at higher temperatures by complying with standards such as ISO 4427 and DIN 8077.

Polyolefin Pipe Market Dynamics and Trends

The global polyolefin pipe market is expected to boost with the need for reliable solutions in water and sanitation applications.

Need for reliable solutions in water and sanitation applications

Reliable and long-lasting pipe solutions are critical for reducing losses, conserving energy, and providing better service to communities and industries in the future. Water and sanitation systems made of traditional pipe materials frequently experience water losses of up to 50%. Fully welded polyethylene and polypropylene pipe systems are the most efficient and reliable alternatives since they considerably reduce leakage. PE-X, PE-RT, PP-R, and PB-1 sanitary plumbing systems offer safe hot and cold water distribution inside residences and commercial buildings. Plastic pipes also perform more efficiently in sound dampening than copper pipes, resulting in increased comfort. PE and PP pipes also promise enhanced disinfectant resistance, a lower coefficient of linear thermal expansion, and better low-temperature impact strength.

Various companies have recently launched new resins, that significantly enhance the operations of pipes in sanitation applications. For instance, in 2021, SABIC introduced new PE and PP resins and collaborated with Tecnomatic and Aquatherm to enhance the properties of polyolefin pressure pipes for sanitation applications while cutting resin usage. The new technology offers substantial improvements over existing polyolefin pipes across the entire range of performance criteria. Higher resistance against internal pressure enables wall-thickness reduction and can reduce material use by at least 30%.

Lack of knowledge & technology in recycling polyolefin pipes

Plastic recycling has several possible environmental advantages, including lowering landfill and incineration rates and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the key problem is discovering applications where recycled plastic may successfully replace virgin plastic in terms of functioning. Incorporating recycled high-density polyethylene into polyethylene pipe-grade resins is a significant problem that is not currently being addressed in the production of pressure pipes.

 However, the environmental consequences of using recycled plastic in pipes have received little attention. For example, compared to virgin HDPE resin, a pipe-grade resin created with post-consumer recycled HDPE combined with virgin HDPE generates 50% fewer GHG emissions. According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, a corrugated pipe constructed with 50% post-consumer recycled HDPE reduces climate change impact by 13%, ozone layer depletion by 8%, and acidification impact by 6%.

COVID-19 Impact on Polyolefin Pipe Market Growth

The global polyolefin market growth was unaffected in some end-user industries during COVID-19. In contrast, the market was hampered in various industries such as oil & gas and building & construction. For instance, in the oil & gas industry, oil consumption fell by 10% in March and 30% in April. The International Energy Agency has declared a 6-10% reduction in demand in 2020, translating to a decline of almost 9.3 million barrels per day. The market faced supply chain disruptions and a sudden hike in raw materials. For instance, North America experienced extra supply difficulties due to maintenance and unforeseen outages, resulting in price increases for PE and PP. However, the market has shown indications of recovery in 2021.

Polyolefin Pipe Market Segment and Shares Analysis

The global polyolefin pipe market is segmented based on type, application, end-user, and region.

The rising need for gas and water distribution system applications has boosted the demand for PE pipes

Based on type, the global polyolefin pipe market is segmented into polyethylene, polypropylene, and plastomer.

Polyethylene (PE) has revolutionized low-pressure pipe system design globally because of its unique mix of qualities that have replaced traditional pipe engineering materials. PE pipes and fittings are widely utilized in safe, reliable, and cost-effective gas and water distribution systems and have a proven track record.

PE materials have improved in strength, stiffness, toughness, and durability to meet the demands of long-term gas and water pressures, ground stress, and the service environment. The benefits make it an ideal piping material for various applications such as potable water service or distribution lines, natural gas distribution, waste disposal, lawn sprinklers, sewers, and drainage lines. PE materials are typically resistant to most ordinary chemicals.

Various companies have recently launched new products targeting various end-user industries. For instance, in 2021, Vinidex launched its new stormwater drainage pipe system – StormFLO, made including recycled PE. The system targets 2 end markets: StormFLO Civil for the infrastructure segment and StormFLO Rural for the agriculture segment.

Polyolefin Pipe Market Geographical Analysis

The need for dependable water management solutions to avoid the water crisis has boosted sales in Asia-Pacific

Water shortages have become a prevalent issue due to a mismatch between rainfalls and population dwellings. For example, India and China account for 35% of the global population yet only 9% of the world's water supply. Growing populations, expanding cities, and changing lifestyles have boosted water use by 200% in the last 50 years. Only 20% of the world's water is consumed from groundwater, which can no longer be considered an infinite resource. Water management that is sustainable across the entire water cycle is more vital than ever. Polyolefin piping systems can provide long-term, dependable water management solutions for future generations. Pipes constructed of HDPE convey water to households more efficiently than pipes made of competing materials.

Various projects have recently used polyolefin pipes due to their superior properties to others. The inherent character of HDPE pipe was the key to laying a pipeline on a 14,000-foot-high mountain range in northern India. Using some 3,000 feet of 28- inch OD solid wall HDPE pipe, it was found that the HDPE pipe was a good solution to the challenges of transporting materials to a road-less job site and the chilling temperatures that were as low as 14F during installation. The project cost using HDPE pipe was US$ 129,382 compared to mild steel pipe prices, which were more than double, nearly US$ 299,000. Additionally, the steel pipe would need an external coating and an internal lining to protect the pipe from corrosion.

Polyolefin Pipe Companies and Competitive Landscape

The global polyolefin pipe market is extremely competitive and fragmented, with the presence of several local and international brands. The companies have to compete against the polyolefin pipe manufacturers and other pipe manufacturers. Major players in the market include AGRU, Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, GF Piping Systems, Advanced Drainage Systems, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, JM Eagle, United Poly Systems, Radius Systems, Polyplastic Group, TeraPlast Group, Thai-Asia P.E., among others.

The major players in the market are known to incorporate numerous market strategies to achieve growth in the global polyolefin pipe market; these include acquisitions, product launches, expansions, and collaborations.

GF Piping Systems

Overview: GF Piping Systems is a flow solutions provider enabling sustainable and safe transport of fluids. The company’s business division focuses on piping systems made of metal and plastics system solutions and high-quality components. The product portfolio of fittings, pipes, automation, valves, and jointing technologies covers all water cycle applications.

Product Portfolio:

• HDPE Pipe for Water: HDPE pipes FGS in medium and large water mains are the most commonly used products. The product can be supplied in blue or black with blue stripes. Other stripe colors are also available for water reuse and other on-demand applications. The product is certified with NBR 15561, ISO 4427, EN 12201, and others.

Key Development:

• In 2020, GF Piping Systems announced the acquisition of FGS Brasil Indústria e Comércio Ltda., Cajamar. As a primary manufacturer of PE piping systems, FGS serves the local water & gas distribution market and other industrial segments. The acquisition will provide GF Piping Systems with a platform for growth in Brazil and South America.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global polyolefin pipe market segmentation by type, application, end-user, and region and understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities in the global polyolefin pipe market by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous polyolefin pipe market-level data points with four segments.
• PDF report consisting of cogently put together market analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and in-depth market study.
• Product mapping available in excel consists of key products of all the major market players

The global polyolefin pipe market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 62 figures, and almost 210 pages

Target Audience 2024

• Raw Material Providers
• Manufacturers
• Oil & Gas Companies
• Building & Construction Companies
• Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Education & Research Institutes
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies
• Logistics companies
• Distributors