Saudi Basic Industries SJSC : SABIC Plastic Pipe Solutions Gain Momentum Worldwide, Offering Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Materials

SABIC's competency in providing sustainable solutions for plastic pipes as innovative alternatives to conventional metal pipe systems is gaining momentum around the world with time-proven successes - from significant water saving project in Saudi Arabia, China, Europe region, to gas applications in China.

Supported by a comprehensive technology network that incorporates 21 technology and innovation facilities around the world, SABIC is intensifying efforts to provide suppliers and customers in the construction industry with more cost-effective and sustainable solutions by way of groundbreaking solutions for plastic pipes.

Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Director, Pipe & Utilities, Global Segments, said, 'As the global need for improved pipe systems across infrastructure, industry and agriculture continues to grow, SABIC is putting increasing efforts into providing its suppliers and customers in the pipe extrusion industry with more cost-effective and sustainable solutions. This is another great example of 'Chemistry that Matters™' driving new solutions.'

A SABIC® PE100 compound, SABIC® HDPE P6006, is now approved for use in gas applications by standards bodies in China, Australia, Malaysia, Germany, Italy and France, and SABIC now has the green light for use in the North Africa region.

The company is also looking at the nascent aquaculture industry in Saudi Arabia, to offer HDPE solutions for manufacturing fish cages and related fishing structures. The development of this sector is expected to spur HDPE demand in the Kingdom to meet the plastic pipe needs of the aquaculture industry. This initiative is also in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) as ending hunger, conserve, and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. (Comment need to further review by Sustainability team).

A significant example of the use of SABIC® HDPE P6006 to address global sustainability concerns is its recent approval and selection by China to safely transport natural gas to millions of residences as part of China's Green project. China has listed 'green' as one of the five key pillars and is vigorously making ecological endeavors to achieve a 'cleaner, greener and leaner 13th Five-Year Plan.'

The SABIC® HDPE P6006 has now received approval from the French reference laboratory, Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais (LNE), expanding its use for gas applications in new Middle East/Africa markets, such as Algeria. P6006 pipes are lightweight, flexible, long life service and less leak.

Al-Otaibi noted that the sustainability of pipe networks needs to be improved. 'Plastics pipe systems will be an important part of that improvement, as they continue to replace more traditional materials, such as iron, concrete, and clay that are more expensive to produce and install, and more costly to maintain once in the ground. Energy can be much more efficiently used to make plastics pipes than steel and even concrete pipes.'

SABIC has a vast technology team dedicated to developing special grades for pipe applications. One example is the upcoming introduction of PE-RT, a polyethylene with improved high temperature resistance, which may be an excellent candidates for hot and cold water pipes.

'Plastics provide the best combination of resistance to corrosion, chemicals and abrasion. Their low weight, flexibility and high mechanical robustness makes them easier to install, and their smooth inner surfaces enable high flow rates, cutting energy consumption for fluid transmission. In summary, the use of plastics piping can add considerable value and increase system reliability,' Al-Otaibi said.

Hisham Al-Joher
Director, Global Media & Internal Communications