PE100+ Association’s Quality Promotional Activities in China [PE]

PE has been so successful in the gas and water distribution pipe markets of Europe largely because of its proven quality and reliability compared to other pipe materials. This has in part been due to the work of organisations such as the PE100+ Association in supporting high quality specifications and auditing systems. However in Asia the situation is very different, as the market for PE pipes is relatively immature, although it is growing at a very fast pace. To ensure that the same level of quality and durability can be provided to the Asian gas and water companies it is necessary to support the growing plastics pipes industry in the region with knowledge based on the European experience. In 2008 the PE100+ Association created an Asian subgroup and agreed to fund a campaign to help the development of quality standards and quality assurance systems in China, particularly in the PE water pipe market. This paper describes the activities of the Association in support of this campaign and the important outcomes and learnings. It will also examine how a European based Association can contribute to healthy market development through a positive image and cooperation amongst the many stakeholders. In a fast growing Asian PE pipe market, efficient quality enforcement and information transfer from more experienced markets will be a key factor in ensuring sustainability and the long lifetime of PE pipe systems.