Plastic pipe seen poised for large diameter inroads
Large-diameter pipe demand in the U.S. is forecast to grow 2.3% yearly to 194 million feet in 2005, valued at $7.4 billion, according to a Freedonia Group study, "Large Diameter Pipe."
Growth stimulants include efforts to meet clean water mandates, and to revitalize aging and obsolete sewer and drain networks. Plastic pipe will present the best growth opportunities, especially in sewer and water distribution applications, based on improvements in crush resistance and pressure tolerance. Cast iron and steel pipe will advance in the water distribution arena, although overall growth will be below average due to competition from plastic pipe.