US Plastic Pipe

Report Overview

Featuring 44 tables and 20 figures!

Key Trends in the US Plastic Pipe Industry

• Government focus is driving investments in sustainability
• Modernization of aging water and sewar infrastrucure offers opportunities for plastic pipe
• AI driven investment in data centers is boosting conduit sales

Demand for plastic pipe in the US is forecast to grow 1.9% per year to 9.9 billion linear feet in 2028 (valued at $26.8 billion), supported by:

• efforts of state and local governments to modernize older water main and sewer systems by installing new pipe networks and replacing older pipe
• the maintenance and expansion of the US natural gas distribution network
• the rising need for water distribution pipe, particularly those made from PEX, as building construction activity increases

Sustainability Takes the Lead in the US Plastic Pipe Market

Sustainability has become a central focus in the plastic pipe market, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. The use of recycled plastics in production is increasing, with companies incorporating recycled materials like HDPE to reduce reliance on virgin plastics and close the recycling loop.

In response to growing environmental challenges, the US government and agencies are implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management. Manufacturers are also pursuing sustainability certifications, such as the Green Seal, to demonstrate their commitment to eco-friendly practices and reduce their environmental footprint.

Government Investment in Water Infrastructure Boosting Plastic Pipe Sales

In recent years, all levels of government have ramped up funding to address the aging and sometimes hazardous water and sewer pipe networks in the US. This trend is expected to continue, with the Biden administration announcing a $3 billion initiative in May 2024 to replace the remaining lead water pipes nationwide. These funding boosts are set to increase sales of pipes used in potable water applications, especially those made from PVC and polyethylene, which are corrosion-resistant, easy to install, and more cost-effective per linear foot compared to metal pipes.

Rural Broadband Expansion & Data Center Boom Drive Plastic Conduit Demand

The rapid rise of generative AI is driving a surge in demand for conduit pipes, fueled by a boom in US data center construction. These centers rely heavily on conduit to safeguard wiring systems and ensure uninterrupted data transfers, which is essential as AI technologies require vast amounts of data processing and storage. Additionally, conduit producers are set to benefit from recent federal funding aimed at expanding high-speed internet access in rural areas that have long depended on satellite connections. 

As the demand for robust infrastructure grows, conduit manufacturers are positioned to capitalize on both the digital transformation and the government's push to modernize broadband networks, creating new opportunities for growth in the sector. Plastic pipe is especially favored in this market due to its low cost, resistance to corrosion, light weight, ease of handling, and ability to be installed both above and below ground.

Plastic Pipe Historical Market Trends & Growth Factors

Plastic pipe is used in a wide variety of markets and applications. As a result, demand is influenced by an array of economic factors:

• New building construction activity determines demand for DWV, water service and distribution, gas distribution, and conduit pipe. 
• Government spending influences demand for sewer and potable water applications, as well as for pipe used as structural supports in bridges and other large structures.
• Manufacturing activity determines demand for plastic pipe used in industrial processing, mechanical, and OEM applications. 

Potable water and storm and sanitary sewer segments are responsible for most of plastic pipe demand year-over-year:

• Plastic pipe is used to replace traditional materials, such as copper, due to its light weight, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance. 
• Plastic’s lower cost than other materials is attractive for municipal water projects with tight budgets. 
• In many cases, civil engineers and sewer professionals will select plastic pipe instead of traditional concrete or steel materials for repair and replacement projects because plastic products:
• are less costly in terms of material price and installation
• provide enhanced performance properties, especially in small and medium diameter applications
• are more suitable for trenchless installation and rehabilitation processes that serve storm and sanitary plastic pipes

Demand for plastic pipe is also influenced by a diverse range of more general factors like:

• raw material costs
• supply chain dynamics and product availability
• residential and commercial improvement and repair activity

Plastic pipes are a commodity product used in many mature industries, so demand value is impacted by price fluctuations. However, manufacturers will often absorb increased costs to keep their prices competitive.

US Plastic Pipe Report Scope

This study analyzes the US plastic pipe industry. Historical data (2013, 2018, and 2023) and forecasts for the years 2028 and 2033 are provided for the following plastic pipe materials:

• polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• high density polyethylene (HDPE)
• crosslinked polyethylene (PEX)
• chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
• fiberglass
• acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
• other resins, including polypropylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE) polyamides (e.g., nylon), fluoropolymers, polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT), and polystyrene

Also included are breakouts for pipe markets:

• structural and mechanical:
  • refrigeration equipment, HVAC equipment, and appliances
  • transportation equipment (e.g., aircraft and spacecraft, automobiles, buses, heavy trucks, light trucks, recreational vehicles)
  • other structural and mechanical (e.g., fencing, light poles, furniture, solar panels)
• potable water:
  • water transmission
  • water distribution
  • service and rural water
• storm and sanitary sewer (including large diameter culverts, which are considered drainage pipe for the purposes of this study)
• conduit
• industrial processing
• oil and natural gas:
  • oil and natural gas drilling
  • oil and natural gas transmission
  • natural gas distribution
• drain, waste, and vent
• irrigation

All demand data reflect apparent consumption (production plus imports minus exports) and are given in dollars, pounds, and linear feet.

Although distinctions are sometimes made between pipe and tube, for the purposes of this study the terms “pipe”, “tube”, and “tubular products” are used interchangeably. 

Fittings are excluded from the scope of the study. Additionally, pipe lining and relining is not counted in this report.