Davidovski Zoran
Papers # 2018 Las-Vegas
To get a deeper insight in why plastic pipes systems in some cases are deselected by designers, installers and users, European Plastics Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) initiated a research including interviews in four pilot countries: Poland, France, Germany and the UK. The first phase was concentrating on civil engineering and second phase on building products. The research showed – as expected – that the deselection of plastic products to a large extent is due to misconceptions and lack of knowledge.
A communication plan for the civils part has been launched in the four pilot countries in cooperation with the local national associations. The commination plan for the building products is under preparation and is expected to be launched in 2019.
A major multinational awareness campaign, championing the suitability of plastic pipe systems for subterranean sewer applications, has been launched to inform and inspire the civil engineering and utilities sectors. Discover: Plastics celebrates the flexibility, longevity and strength of plastic pipes – as well as their ease and speed of installation – drawing on more than 20 years of independent research. Curated by TEPPFA, the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association and in partnership with 4 National Associations. Discover: Plastics drives awareness of the natural suitability of plastic pipes for any application. It also shines a light on real-life case studies from across Europe, showcasing how plastic pipe systems have been successfully deployed in many challenging situations, and are continuing to function decades after their installation. At the center of the campaign is a dedicated knowledge hub – a specialist microsite –which brings together the results of multiple wide-ranging studies into the performance and behavior of plastic pipes when used for sewers.
As second part will show the main barriers and drivers of in-house plastic products. This research was structured as market investigation with interviews and discussions. This paper presents the outcome of these interviews, results and conclusions and the second phase of the project with outcomes to promote it under the discover plastic website.
