As one of the most widely used plastics in the world, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe systems are an essential element in sustainable and effective water management. Water distribution networks are critical for efficient and safe transfer of water to consumers.

As demand increases for drinking water, PVC pipe systems are a sustainable and cost-effective solution for rolling out water and sanitation networks. The 6th annual South African Plastic Pipes Manufacturing Association (SAPPMA) conference will focus on the importance of pipes in water distribution, while informing design engineers and specifiers to make informed decisions when selecting material and products.

“PVC piping is ideal material for water piping systems. It requires very little maintenance, it is inherently non-burning and energy efficient, while exhibiting excellent mechanical strength and has a high resistance to chemicals. It also has a working product life in excess of 75 years in certain applications,” said Maria Stephanou, Marketing Manager for Chlor Vinyls, Sasol Polymers. “In most instances, all it needs is a wipe over with a soapy cloth.”
Sasol Polymers is a major producer and marketer of PVC in South Africa, which is becoming increasingly popular across various applications, due its flexibility and durability.
“We’re seeing wider applications of PVC not just for piping systems, but also, windows and even kitchens,” said Stephanou.
International expert on PVC, Steve Tan, Executive Director of PVC4Pipes, which is the European trade association for the promotion of PVC pipe, is one of the speakers at this year’s SAPPMA conference.

The 2012 SAPPMA conference will be held on the 18th of September at the Bytes Conference Centre in Midrand. In addition, to Steve Tan, other plenary speakers at the conference include Peter Kleynhans, President Elect of the South African Institute of Chemical Engineers, Frank Makamo from the South African Bureau of Standards and Joe Majorobela, Customer Support Manager at Sasol Polymers.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Anthony Turton, is an expert in water resource management and specialises in Trans-Boundary Water Resource Management, which includes supporting negotiations between governments and other role-players in international river basins. He has published, widely, on the subject of trans-boundary river basin management. He currently focuses on water and the mining industry as ‘a sub-national trans-boundary issue of strategic significance’, in a water-constrained region with a strong mining economy.