Cu Later, 2024: Why it’s time to leave plastic pipes in the past

Cu Later, 2024: Why it’s time to leave plastic pipes in the past

By Andrew Surtees, Co-Founder of The Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP)

In 2024, an estimated 220 million tonnes of plastic waste was generated globally –  equivalent to 28kg per person. Of that waste, approximately a third (69.5 million tonnes) was mismanaged, ending up in the natural environment.Meanwhile, the global plastic pipe industry continues to expand at an exponential rate and is projected to reach a staggering $147.2 billion by 2030 due to growing demand in the construction industry.

The impacts of the plastics industry are clear to see, with increasing amounts of plastic waste causing harm to the environment and our health. Yet the use of plastic pipes in construction, medical devices, and other industries continues to increase
year-on-year. In fact, the plastics lifecycle is set to contribute as much as 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with the construction sector consuming 20% of all plastics and 70% of all polyvinyl chloride (PVC) produced around the world.


Health risks

Plastic pipes, especially those made from PVC, are a major contributor to microplastic pollution, releasing harmful chemicals into our water systems. Ingesting microplastics has already been linked to serious health concerns, and is known to
impact the lungs, gut and brain function. Studies show that the average person unknowingly consumes up to 211,000 microplastic particles annually, primarily through drinking water.

With PVC pipes being the most used type of plastic pipe, they are a common feature in homes and everyday environments, including office buildings and hospitals.

Known to release dangerous chemicals such as phthalates and dioxins, this is a serious cause for concern.

Copper pipes are naturally antimicrobial, resistant to corrosion and do not release harmful substances into drinking water, posing a safer option for residential and non-residential buildings.

Fire safety concerns

In addition to the health risks, plastic pipes pose serious fire safety concerns. Plastics are highly combustible and can spread quickly in a fire, with the smoke produced containing hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide, which can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin.

The release of these toxic substances during a fire makes plastic pipes particularly dangerous in residential and commercial buildings, as they can worsen fire conditions and increase the risk of long-term health problems.

On the other hand, copper has a high melting point of 1,085°C – higher than the temperature of most building fires – making it a safer, fire-resistant option for built environments.

Environmental risks

Used for centuries in plumbing, copper has proven sustainability credentials and continues to outperform plastic in terms of durability and longevity. Nearly 80% of all copper ever mined is still in use today, and opting for 1 ton of recycled copper results in 65% fewer CO2 emissions compared to using virgin materials – a testament to its sustainability and minimal environmental impact.

With plastic pipe production expected to continue to increase globally in 2025, this alarming fact highlights the urgent need for change in the materials we use for plumbing and construction. Copper is not only a safer alternative to plastic, but its recyclability plays a key role in reducing waste and carbon emissions, and CuSP is dedicated to driving this change forward to create a more sustainable future.

As we face growing environmental, health and fire safety risks from plastic pipes, it’s clear that we need to leave plastic behind and embrace safer, more sustainable alternatives like copper. With its durability, recyclability, and minimal environmental impact, copper offers a responsible choice for the future of construction and plumbing. CuSP is committed to driving this change and building a safer and greener environment. Let’s work together to transition away from plastic and create a better
future for our construction industries.

To find out more about the risks of plastic pipes in construction, please visit:

https://www.cuspuk.com/why-copper/copper-vs-plastic-pipes/.

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