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Look Towards A New Future

Jan 26, 2012

Strategic Analysis of the Plastics in Water Infrastructure

Lack of Water Infrastructure - Water infrastructure in Eastern Europe is still not well developed. Countries such as Poland offer the greatest potential for plastic water pipelines. With successful reference cases in the last decade, the preference for plastic as the suitable material for pipes over metals is more evident among water utility bodies as well as engineering design companies. Similarly, countries such as Mexico offer good opportunity for plastic water tanks because, historically, they have depended on storage infrastructure, and not on distribution, for efficient water supply.

Privatization of Water Distribution Systems - Competitive franchising, long-term contracts will encourage healthy competition in the water sector and lead to efficient water supply management. France and the United Kingdom provide perfect examples of how such privatization has raised quality in the whole system. In both countries, network pressure was enhanced and supply interruptions were reduced considerably after privatization. Even the investment scenarios for both countries improved from what they were previously. A growing number of countries within the European Union are slowly shifting to a privatization model to gain operating expertise and investments from the private sector.

Plastics in Water Infrastructure - Analysis Report


Published: December 2011
No. of Pages: 129


Replacement of Ageing Water Infrastructure - Most of the infrastructure presently in place in Western Europe and North America was laid 50 to 100 years ago. Pipe bursts and leaks have been common. The costs associated with loss of water as well as repairing these pipelines run into the millions. More durable materials, such as plastics, are being used to refurbish existing pipelines made out of ductile iron.
The advantages associated with plastics such as HDPE include trenchless technology, which is used for laying buried pipes. This technology makes it easier for pipe manufacturers to produce longer lengths of pipes, reducing downtime. In addition to their durability and trenchless technology, plastic pipes are corrosion resistant and leak free, which prevents huge volumes of water loss during transport.

Rainwater Harvesting Promoting Localized Storage - Factors such as water scarcity and rainwater harvesting promote localized storage in certain parts of Europe and North America. Communities are increasingly focused on having a permanent reserve of water in the form of tanks. Traditional concrete has been the material of choice. However, rotomolded plastics, such as HDPE and LLDPE, are gaining popularity because they offer numerous advantages in terms of production as well as in operational cost.

Report Scope
This study analyses the plastics market for water infrastructure by covering two core segments: pipes used for distribution of drinking/potable water and storage tanks used for rainwater harvesting and potable water storage (underground and above ground).The key drivers and restraints related to each of these segments as well as the total market have been detailed in this study. Unit shipments and revenue forecasts have been given for the materials and the chemicals that are covered under the scope of this study. Competitive landscape has been given in detail covering market share and SWOT analysis. Geographical scope includes North America and Europe.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Market Overview


Total Market for Plastics in Water Infrastructure

External Challenges: Drivers and Restraints
Forecasts and Trends

Mega Trends and Industry Convergence Implications


The CEO's 360 Degree Perspectives


Potable Water Pipe Plastics Segment Breakdown

Potable Water Pipe Plastics Segment-European Breakdown
Potable Water Pipe Plastics Segment-North American Breakdown
Water Tank Plastics Segment Breakdown
Water Tank Plastics Segment-European Breakdown
Water Tank Plastics Segment-North American Breakdown

The Last Word


Appendix