TEPPFA (The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association) is the leading voice of the plastic pipes and fittings industry in Europe. Representing 350 companies across the value chain, TEPPFA champions the role of plastic pipes in building sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
Water companies across Europe are currently facing several critical challenges, many of which are interconnected. First, there's the ongoing need to modernize and upgrade infrastructure to meet rising demand and withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. Regulations concerning water quality and leakage rates are becoming stricter. And, at the same time, there’s a growing focus on sustainability and the environmental impact of materials and installation methods—so there are a lot of competing pressures.
TEPPFA members are well-positioned to support these efforts. Plastic pipes are highly durable—PE100-RC pipes, for example, which are now recognized under the EN 12201 (PE water supply) standard, have proven lifespans of over 100 years. They are resistant to corrosion and can reduce leakage in water supply systems by up to 75% compared to more rigid materials. They also have a lower environmental impact over their full lifecycle and are suitable for many types of trenchless and no-dig applications. Collectively, these benefits help water companies meet regulatory requirements, improve system efficiency, and reduce their overall environmental footprint.
The European plastic pipes industry is highly competitive, both in terms of quality and innovation. Our plastic pipes offer cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications—from drinking water systems to gas supply, sewage and stormwater systems, hot and cold water supply, and surface heating solutions—while providing long-term durability and reliability that few other materials can match. Our industry has continuously invested in new technologies, processes, and materials that improve both the performance and environmental impact of plastic pipes, helping us stay ahead of global trends.
However, we recognize that European manufacturers face growing pressure from imports, especially from regions where manufacturing costs are lower—this is particularly true in the case of hot and cold water pipe applications. The key to maintaining our competitive edge is focusing on product quality, innovation, and sustainability—but we also need regulation to ensure fair competition.
Simply put, we need a regulatory environment that supports innovation and reduces unnecessary complexity. Ensuring access to sustainable finance and affordable renewable energy is also critical.
The appointment of a commissioner for Water Resilience is a clear indication of how crucial water is as a resource in Europe. Water resilience is not just about ensuring we have enough water today—it’s about managing water sustainably for the future. This includes safeguarding water supplies from contamination, reducing leakage, and ensuring that infrastructure can cope with the challenges posed by climate change. Recent flooding across Central Europe, France, and Spain, and the devastating floods in Germany in 2021, highlight the urgency of this challenge.
Plastic pipes play a fundamental role in these efforts. They are durable and resistant to chemical degradation, making them ideal for long-lasting infrastructure that helps Europe better manage its water resources. As an industry, we’re already developing innovative solutions to tackle these challenges, including large-diameter stormwater pipes—up to 3.5 meters wide—along with stormwater tanks and infiltration crates.
TEPPFA and our members are ready to support the European Commission's efforts to secure a resilient water future by bringing our expertise to the table and helping to develop robust water systems across Europe.
Drinking and wastewater pipe systems are to meet the highest safety and hygiene standards.
© Borealis
We welcome these legislative changes as they raise the bar for water quality and environmental performance. The new Drinking Water Directive introduces uniform requirements for materials in contact with drinking water, while the Wastewater Directive’s focus on reducing pollution will demand improved infrastructure.
Our members are already producing materials that meet the highest safety and hygiene standards for both drinking and wastewater systems, so we’re well-prepared to support water companies to meet the requirements of these updates.
The circular economy is at the heart of TEPPFA’s vision for the plastic pipes industry. We already contribute in several ways, starting with the durability of European-made plastic pipes, which directly supports the "reduce" principle of circularity by minimizing the need for replacements.
Our members also offer products made with recycled materials and renewable feedstocks. These materials can be used in pipes for demanding applications, including below-ground stormwater and sewage pipes. Feedstock from chemical recycling is even suitable for drinking water pipes, as demonstrated by a recent project in Vienna. Finally, at the end of their long service lives, plastic pipes are fully recyclable, contributing to a closed-loop system that keeps valuable resources in use for as long as possible.
We’re also actively advocating for improvements that would help us take circularity further in our industry—in particular, better access to high-quality recycled materials and more efficient systems for collecting and sorting construction waste.
The plastic pipes industry has a vital role to play in ensuring that Europe’s infrastructure is fit to meet its water security needs. As climate change intensifies, we’re urging the EU to invest in infrastructure projects that reduce water stress and prevent losses. Our members will support these efforts by continuously innovating to develop products that address these urgent challenges.
Beyond this, our industry plays a significant role in the European economy, with an annual production volume of 4 million metric tons. Our members, who make up 75% of the EU market, generate €12 billion in annual sales and directly employ 40,000 people—so it’s important to safeguard it from that perspective too.
Looking ahead, with the right regulatory framework and investment environment, we’re confident that the plastic pipes industry will continue to play a central role in securing Europe’s water resources for future generations.
