Sustainability in Practice: Why Longevity Is the Most Overlooked Environmental Strategy
In public debate, plastic is often seen as part of the environmental problem. But in infrastructure, when designed and used correctly, plastic is part of the solution. The difference lies in lifespan, performance and purpose.
At IPS Flow Systems, we believe sustainability begins with longevity. A system that performs for fifty years without corroding or failing has already prevented waste, reduced emissions and supported operational efficiency. It is not disposable. It is dependable.
The Plastic Waste Picture in the UK
There is no doubt the UK has a plastic waste challenge.
According to Greenpeace ’s Big Plastic Count 2024, UK households throw away 1.7 billion pieces of plastic every week, which equates to more than 90 billion pieces a year. Of that, only 17 percent is recycled domestically. The rest is burned, exported or sent to landfill.
DEFRA’s 2023 statistics show the household recycling rate in England dropped to 43.4 percent. This is a decline from the previous year and falls short of the EU target of 50 percent. Waste infrastructure and recycling systems are under pressure and consumer behaviour remains a key concern.
But there is a distinction between short-life consumer plastic and the high-grade, engineered thermoplastics used in critical systems. These are not single-use materials. They are long-term infrastructure.
What the Research Shows About Longevity
A 2023 meta-study commissioned by the British Plastics Federation confirmed that polyethylene (PE) pipe systems can last for more than 100 years in typical pressure applications. These findings are based on field data, laboratory testing and international studies across multiple decades.
UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) also reported that modern plastic water mains offer consistent performance well beyond 80 years with minimal maintenance. In many cases, these systems outperform cast iron, steel and ductile materials, particularly in terms of corrosion resistance and leak prevention.
Plastic pipe systems are also lighter and easier to install. This reduces energy use in transport and lifting, and lowers the embodied carbon of the entire system. PlasticsEurope reports that plastic pipes generate 35 to 50 percent fewer emissions during manufacture and installation compared to traditional metal alternatives.
Practical Sustainability in the UK Water Sector
Over 90 percent of new water mains installed in the UK are now plastic. Companies such as Thames Water, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water have shifted towards plastic due to performance reliability, longevity and leak reduction.
Fewer leaks mean less water waste. Fewer repairs mean less excavation, fuel use and transport. Over time, these benefits compound to deliver a clear environmental advantage.
IPS Flow Systems: Long-Life Systems in Action
At IPS, we supply systems designed for reliability and environmental responsibility. Our product ranges are selected not only for their performance but also for their ability to reduce total lifecycle impact.
Our offering includes:
- CPVC fire protection systems with LPCB approval, ideal for residential and commercial buildings
- PE, PP, PVDF and ECTFE pipework for aggressive media, dosing systems and process environments
- Double containment systems for hazardous fluids and compliance-led installations
- High-performance plastic solutions for clean air and clean water networks
- Technical support and rapid delivery across the UK and Ireland
We support clients through the full specification and design process, helping ensure that each system delivers the longest possible service life.
Sector Examples
Fire Protection
In high-rise residential applications, our CPVC systems provide low-maintenance, corrosion-free fire suppression. These systems resist biofilm and do not scale, avoiding premature failure.
Chemical Dosing
Our PE and PP systems withstand aggressive chemicals used in dosing and effluent treatment. Their longevity helps avoid shutdowns and environmental incidents.
Process and Plant Environments
For industrial and pharmaceutical facilities, our PVDF and ECTFE systems offer high chemical resistance, minimal degradation and excellent thermal performance, extending service life and reducing intervention costs.
Sustainability Means Thinking Ahead
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights that circular economy thinking starts with design. If a system is designed to last and avoid failure, it supports sustainability from day one.
IPS products align with this philosophy:
- Systems require fewer replacements and reduce material use over time
- Lightweight construction lowers transport and installation emissions
- Corrosion resistance avoids system loss and leak-related environmental damage
- Long-term reliability reduces disruption and operational downtime
We help engineers and contractors design for long-term performance, not just short-term delivery.
Conclusion
Sustainability is not only about recycling. It is about designing infrastructure that performs for decades. In the UK and Ireland, plastic systems are proving that durability can be one of the most powerful tools in reducing environmental impact.
At IPS Flow Systems, we are proud to supply the systems that last. If you are looking for infrastructure solutions that deliver long-term sustainability, we are here to support your project from first plans to final installation.
Contact Us
📧 sales@ipsflowsystems.com 📞 UK: 0191 521 3111 📞 Ireland: +353 1 2573741 🌐 www.ipsflowsystems.com
References
- Greenpeace UK. The Big Plastic Count 2024 Report. https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/resources/the-big-plastic-count-2024-report/
- DEFRA. UK Waste Statistics: ENV18 – Local Authority Collected Waste (2023). https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/env18-local-authority-collected-waste-annual-results-tables
- British Plastics Federation. Meta-Study on PE Pipe Longevity (2023). https://www.bpf.co.uk/article/new-meta-study-findings-are-evidence-plastic-pipe-lifetimes-are-3621.aspx
- UKWIR. Long-Term Performance of Polyethylene Pipe Systems. https://ukwir.org/long-term-performance-of-polyethylene-pipe-systems
- PlasticsEurope. Building and Construction Sector Applications. https://www.plasticseurope.org/en/about-plastics/plastics-applications/building-construction
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Circular Economy Overview. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
- Water UK. Asset Strategy Reports – Plastic Infrastructure. https://www.water.org.uk/publications/