NZ Manufactured PVC pipe is:
NZ made by environmentally responsible companies
Iplex Pipelines Ltd, RX Plastics Ltd and Marley New Zealand Ltd recognise the importance of environmental issues to their ongoing success. All three companies have environmental management systems in place and set annnual goals and targets for environmental improvement of their operations.
100% recyclable
Poly Vinyl Chloride is a thermoplastic that is easily melted and reformed into new products. NZ PVC pipe manufacturers all now accept clean pipe back for recycling. If you have any off cuts or demolition pipe you are unable to use contact the manufacturer to arrange recycling. Please note a pre-delivery inspection is required before the material will be accepted.
www.iplex.co.nz www.marley.co.nz www.rxplastics.co.nz
Low Embodied Energy
Global warming and climate change tend to dominate our thinking especially with petrol prices escalating. Comparisons of the embodied energy and carbon emissions from New Zealand’s PVC and Polyethylene (PE) pipe against other alternative materials demonstrate that PVC is a sustainable choice.
Lead free
Lead which is a known carcinogen has historically been used as a stabiliser in PVC. It has now been replaced with either tin or organic based stabilisers. PVC Stewardship Commitment. A full Additives Disclosure Statement is available for each New Zealand PVC pipe manufacturer.
Cadmium free
No cadmium is used in the manufacture of PVC pipe in New Zealand. A full Additives Disclosure Statement is available for each New Zealand PVC pipe manufacturer.
Plasticiser free
Pipe is manufactured from rigid PVC and contains no plasticisers. Plasticisers are only used to make flexible PVC products for example plastic coated cables. Some plasticisers used in flexible PVC products have been linked to endocrine disruption and fertility issues – again these do not relate to PVC pipe as no plasticisers are used in these products. A full Additives Disclosure Statement is available for each New Zealand PVC pipe manufacturer.
Mercury free
The use of mercury to produce PVC is now old technology. NZ PVC pipe manufacturers do not source PVC materials from companies still using mercury. New technologies use polymer membranes instead eliminating the need for the use of a hazardous substance such as mercury. This requirement forms part of the companies purchasing requirements.
Avoiding Dioxin Release
Dioxin is a carcinogenic substance produced when chlorine containing compounds are burnt. Any building material which contains chlorine, flourine, or bromine may produce dioxins when burnt. Most dioxin released in New Zealand is from accidental fires.
Poly Vinyl Chloride can also release dioxin when burnt. The risk of dioxin being emitted in this manner is able to be avoided. Actions supporting this:
- All NZ PVC pipe manufacturers take back PVC pipe waste for recycling
- PVC is naturally fire resistant and difficult to ignite
- Many Regional Councils have rules prohibiting backyard burning
- Landfill fires have been dramatically reduced as a result of work by central and local government and the waste sector and
- NZ Fire Service and many other organisations work to minimise the risk of accidental building fires.
Learn more about dioxin
