Polyolefins gain market share from PVC and non-thermoplastics while circular economy stimulates R&D in the segment
13 July 2022
AMI Consulting, Bristol, 13/07/2022 - European market for gravity pipes showed strong growth in 2018-2019, which was followed by a significant contraction in 2020 when COVID-19 began to take effect in the region. In this extremely atypical year, the European economy saw a 6.3% decline in GDP in 2020. Construction activity was impacted initially but recovered in the second half of 2020 albeit suffered from supply-chain disruptions some of which continue into 2022.
The market for infrastructure pipes is reputed for its conservatism. At AMI Consulting, we disagree with such characterisation. Admittedly, the market moves cautiously and gradually. But over the years we have seen tremendous changes, which – despite the cautious, gradual adoption rates – can only be described as revolutionary.
While thermoplastics now command a high proportion of the small diameter gravity pipe market, there is still ample scope for growth through the substitution of traditional pipes systems in the larger diameter segment. Growth opportunities exist in the further substitution of 'traditional' pipes (concrete and metal), as well as in the development and commercialisation of new plastic-based systems, designed to provide better solutions (in terms of cost/performance) for modern-day needs.