POLYOLEFINS | MATERIALS
Recent breakthroughs in polyolefins include a grade for micro irrigation, new methods for recycling PEX and a bio-based grade of HDPE that has been used in a gas pipeline
Recent advances in polyolefin pipe
Polyolefins are commonly used in pipe applications – but with the need for greater environmental performance, producers and users must be mindful of the materials they are using. Ineos says that its bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used to create “the world’s first fully sustainable gas pipeline” from French gas utility network operator GRDF. The pipeline, installed in Clermont-Ferrand, is
part of a GRDF program to ‘green’ pipelines in parts of the region with a similar commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. This will see 1km of pipeline laid across three sites in the network. The material is made from wood processing resi-
dues from the paper industry, which are trans- formed into tall oil – a bio-naphtha. This is turned into bio-ethylene by Ineos in Cologne then transported to its polymer plant in Lillo, Belgium – where it is used to manufacture bio-based HDPE.
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The result is a polymer with a lower carbon footprint than conventional, fossil-based polymers. The bio-polymer has the same technical charac- teristics as conventional polymers, enabling a partner like GRDF to maintain safety standards while reducing its environmental impact. The innovation could be repeated for other gas and water pipelines. “Alongside the work we are doing to drive down emissions and reduce plastic waste in the polyole- fins industry, this is another example of our commitment to working with partners to develop efficient, lower emission solutions,” said Rob Ingram, CEO of Ineos Olefins & Polymers North.
Irrigation boost Dow has introduced a new Fingerprint grade of polyethylene (PE) resin, for micro irrigation applications.
Main image: Bio-based HDPE from Ineos has been used to create a “sustainable gas pipeline” in France
❯ Spring 2024 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 31
IMAGE: GRDF - JÉRÔME PALLÉ
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