PVC4Pipes Website Homes In On Wider Public

All pipe systems are usually kept out of sight for practical and aesthetic reasons, and thus often invisible. But not forgotten since PVC4Pipes have now transformed their website to target the eyes and minds of the people who really matter when it comes to buying and relying on PVC pipe systems. It marks a significant start of an outreach program to encourage a dialogue with architects, designers, specifiers, constructors, users and many other industry and public stakeholders.

Steve Tan, spokesman for the Brussels-based organization explains: “Silence is also communication but clearly not the kind we need. We have therefore been working hard to create a platform through our website and other media to dispel misconceptions as well as shape perceptions about the inherent benefits of our pipe systems.”

A new segment of the website addresses various myths that have arisen over time. One such myth is that ‘PVC pipes are toxic.’

“This is not true,” the website denounces. “PVC resin is inert and non-toxic. Other components of PVC pipes are also inert and non-toxic. Lead-based stabilizers have been used in the past to make PVC sewer pipes. Whilst their use has given rise to some environmental concerns, once they are incorporated into the finished pipe or fitting, they are forever locked inside the matrix and do not leak out. Nevertheless, lead-based stabilizers are being phased out and replaced with calcium-based stabilizers.”

Although the manufacture, installation and use of PVC pipe systems are locked into many ISO and European standards, Steve Tan is convinced of the need to
communicate directly with stakeholders: “Whereas our pipe systems have been widely accepted and appreciated throughout the world over the last sixty years, we need to listen and promote direct feedback from the pipe layers and players that influence supply and demand.”

A further section of the website “A Message for …” is therefore devoted to individual stakeholders that have a direct interest in the choice of pipe materials. Fourteen categories are identified - ranging from designers and architects through to the media and the community at large. For each group, a series of messages has been created to spark a response.

Project developers are one such category. “Communication is a two-way street whether it is drained by a network of PVC pipes or not,” says Tan. “Project development of any kind from an office block extension to an Olympic stadium requires a rudimentary knowledge of PVC pipe technology. Our discussion with this and every group will not only revolve around image but also reality.”

In addition to feedback analysis, Steve Tan intends to explore other media such as special focal groups to define and refine the content of messages communicated by his organization. “Most of our PVC pipe systems will perform perfectly for at least 100 years. They may be buried but their performance and our voice will be heard!”

The revised website can be viewed on: www.pvc4pipes.com

ENDS

For all media enquiries, BPF logos and images please contact Laura Hindley, Communications and Industrial Issues Executive on [email protected] or 0207 457 5043

Notes for editors:

The British Plastics federation (BPF) is the UK trade association for the plastics industry - representing the whole supply chain including polymer producers, distributors, additives suppliers, machinery manufacturers, processors and recyclers.