Metal thefts are once again hitting the national headlines, so much so that the UK authorities now position the problem as second only to terrorism.

The cost to industry is estimated at 拢360m a year 鈥� but contractors can put a stop to it simply by specifying plastic pipework, as plastic has no scrap value. Not only would this eradicate thefts of pipework from construction sites, it would also reduce project costs owing to plastic鈥檚 numerous installation benefits.

I acknowledge that there will always be a need for metal pipe systems because of the legal requirements for gas conveyance and to meet the high pressure requirements of certain industrial applications. However, for 95% of all building services systems, plastic meets and exceeds performance requirements, with additional benefits.

Perhaps a complete industry shift is needed, and an overdue acknowledgement of the valid alternative that plastics provide.

Mitchell Holmes, marketing manager, Durapipe UK

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