Plastic Pipes Group 50th Birthday-Media Lunch

The Plastic Pipes Group of the BPF is celebrating its 50th Birthday this year. Up until 1961 Plastic pipes were represented in The British Plastics Federation via the Extruders Section of the Fabricators Group. At the end of 1961 the Thermoplastics Pipe and Fittings Group formed.

In order to publicise the 50th anniversary the PPG invited 11 journalists to a media lunch at the Radisson Kenilworth Hotel in London. The journalists represented a variety of publications covering the wide range of applications of plastic pipes. Also present were Caroline Ayres (PPG Director), Frank Jones (PPG Consultant), Martin Gisbourne (PPG President), Glen Sabin (PPG Immediate Past President) and Peter Davis and Philip Law from the BPF.

The theme of the event was ‘The Plastic Evolution’. It was intended to promote the message that Plastics represent a changing landscape within the pipework industry and manufacturers continue to develop innovative products that meet today’s complex requirements, with plastics’ share of the market growing year on year. Plastic pipework systems have been around for over 50 years and can no longer be considered as a ‘new’ material. The perception among those in the industry needs to change and embrace a future where plastics sit alongside other materials as an established, proven and viable option.

Presentations were given by Caroline (about the Plastic Pipes Group), Martin (an overview of the history of plastic pipes and the PPG) and Philip Law (sustainability). Following the presentations were questions and then a three course lunch. The journalists left with press packs with more information about plastic pipes.