Need to replace elderly U.S. sewer pipes increases opportunities for extrudersNeed to replace elderly U.S. sewer pipes increases opportunities for extruders

Demand for plastic water and wastewater pipe will grow by 7% per year to $8.5 billion in 2014. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe will remain dominant and grow at an above-average pace, "fueled by improved joining technologies and resins such as molecular-oriented PVC," said the report.  Best opportunities are anticipated for distribution, service, and drain/waste/vent pipe due to rebounding residential building construction markets. HDPE pipe will grow at a faster rate as a result of opportunities in sewer/drain and potable water pipe, particularly corrugated HDPE drain pipe.

While copper pipe demand will remain strong due to its use in building plumbing, copper lost market share to plastic pipe between 2004 and 2009 as a result of high metal prices.  Steel will remain a competitor in storm sewer and culvert applications, against concrete and corrugated HDPE pipe.—Clare Goldsberry