Rethinking PVC Solvent Cements for the Water Industry – Sustainability, Compliance and Performance for AMP 8 and Beyond
The changing landscape of the water industry
The UK water industry is in the middle of a significant transformation. With AMP 8 underway, there is an unprecedented focus on delivering sustainable infrastructure, improving network resilience, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. These goals are not just about large-scale projects; they are about every component in the system, down to the smallest fitting.
PVC solvent cements are a prime example. Often overlooked in favour of more visible system components, these products are in fact critical to the reliability, safety and longevity of water networks. A well-chosen solvent cement creates a joint that is not just watertight but also resistant to chemical attack, mechanical stress and the test of time. In an era of tighter budgets, stricter environmental standards and increased public accountability, solvent cements must do more than simply bond pipes together.
Why PVC solvent cements matter in water applications
In potable water distribution, wastewater treatment, chemical dosing, and process water applications, joint integrity is a non-negotiable priority. Solvent welding with PVC, CPVC or ABS allows the installer to create a permanent fusion between pipe and fitting. This process delivers several key advantages:
- Corrosion resistance – Plastic systems do not rust, scale or pit, meaning water quality and flow rates are maintained over decades.
- Chemical compatibility – PVC, CPVC and ABS can withstand exposure to the disinfectants, cleaning agents and chemical additives used in water and wastewater facilities.
- Lightweight installation – The reduced weight of thermoplastics speeds up installation, reduces manual handling risks and lowers transport costs.
- Temperature tolerance – CPVC in particular offers elevated temperature performance, making it suitable for hot water process lines and disinfection cycles.
- Long service life – Properly installed systems can perform reliably for decades, reducing the need for costly repairs and downtime.
When combined with a solvent cement that matches the performance needs of the system, these benefits are maximised.
The environmental and compliance challenge
AMP 8 brings with it a sharper focus on environmental impact. Water companies are under pressure to reduce emissions, improve sustainability and meet net-zero commitments. This is where the new generation of low VOC (volatile organic compound) solvent cements, such as Weld-On’s ECO Range, play an important role.
Traditional solvent cements can emit VOCs during application. Low VOC alternatives reduce these emissions significantly, contributing to improved air quality on site and helping water companies meet environmental obligations. For public and private sector projects that must align with LEED or BREEAM sustainability frameworks, low VOC cements also provide valuable certification credits.
Weld-On ECO Range and AMP 8
Weld-On’s ECO Range, which includes products meeting SCAQMD Rule 1168/316A requirements, has been developed to meet both performance and environmental expectations. These cements are NSF certified for potable water use, comply with ASTM standards for PVC and CPVC systems, and hold GREENGUARD Gold certification for low emissions.
For water industry applications, this means:
- Reduced environmental impact without compromising strength or reliability
- Compliance with regulatory and sustainability targets under AMP 8
- Safe use in potable water systems without risk to water quality
- Suitable bonding for a wide range of pipe sizes, schedules and pressure classes
Where this matters most
- Potable water distribution – Ensuring water safety and network longevity, with solvent cements that are safe for human consumption applications.
- Wastewater treatment – Handling aggressive effluents and treatment chemicals without degradation of the joint.
- Chemical dosing systems – Withstanding concentrated chemical environments while ensuring zero leakage.
- Infrastructure upgrades – Supporting the delivery of sustainable, regulation-compliant projects in line with AMP 8 investment priorities.
Where IPS Flow Systems makes the difference
Having the right product is only part of the equation. The way it is supplied can make the difference between a smooth project and costly delays.
At IPS Flow Systems, we:
- Stock the full Weld-On ECO Range – including the latest low VOC solvent cements and primers, ready for immediate dispatch.
- Offer next day delivery across the UK and Ireland – helping projects stay on schedule, even when timelines are tight.
- Provide expert advice – our technical team understands the specific requirements of water industry projects and can recommend the right cement for your application.
- Support full project supply – from cements and primers to the complete PVC, CPVC and ABS piping systems that work with them.
- Work in partnership – our focus is on helping customers deliver quality installations that meet AMP 8’s performance, compliance and sustainability requirements.
We know that the water industry cannot afford downtime or rework. By combining high-performance products with dependable availability and technical support, IPS helps contractors and water companies deliver projects right the first time.
Sustainability is more than a buzzword
For many years, sustainability in water projects focused primarily on energy use and large-scale materials selection. Today, every product in the supply chain is expected to contribute to environmental goals. Choosing a low VOC, high-performance solvent cement is one small but measurable way for water companies and contractors to improve their sustainability credentials.
It also reflects well in project audits and customer communications, demonstrating that environmental responsibility is embedded at every stage of infrastructure development.
Meeting the needs of AMP 8 and beyond
AMP 8’s core themes of resilience, compliance and sustainability are not short-term objectives. They will continue to shape water infrastructure investment for years to come. Forward-looking suppliers and contractors who adopt high-performance, low VOC solvent cements now will be better placed to meet evolving regulations, achieve sustainability targets and deliver reliable systems that perform for decades.
Sources
- IPS Flow Systems – Rethinking PVC Solvent Cements
- Water UK – AMP 8 Priorities and Regulatory Commitments
- ASTM International – Standards for PVC and CPVC Solvent Cements
- NSF International – Certification for Potable Water Applications
- South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) – Rule 1168/316A VOC Regulations
- GREENGUARD – Gold Certification for Low Emission Products
- Weld-On – ECO Range Technical Data