PLUMBING & DRAINAGE
PUTTING CHOICE BACK IN THE PIPELINE
There’s a new clay pipe kid on the drainage block. BMJ asks Steinzeug-Keramo’s md Tom Deckers why the company has brought its KERA vitrified clay pipes to the UK market.
BMJ: Why have you chosen to enter the UK market? Tom Deckers: Our significant move into the UK is a result of increased demand for more sustainable drainage products as well as interest from buyers looking for greater choice within the vitrified clay pipe category.
Introducing our vitrified clay pipes to the UK market is not just about expanding our geographic presence; it’s about contributing to a more sustainable future for infrastructure. Giving builders merchants and their customers more choice is a clear signal of our commitment to delivering products and solutions that meet the highest standards, where they are needed most.
BMJ: Who is Steinzeug-Keramo? TD: Europe’s largest producer of vitrified clay pipe systems for sewage and drainage infrastructure. We are well known for our high- quality, durable and environmentally friendly pipeline solutions, mainly used in municipal and industrial wastewater management. The brand is synonymous with Sustainability, Quality and Innovation. These three pillars not only define our mission but are fundamental to our commitment to creating products that are environmentally responsible.
BMJ: What products are you offering to the UK market? TD: Our KERA vitrified clay pipes can be used for open trench, pipe jacking and sewer renovation, all in diameters 100 – 800 mm. This ensures that contractors can find the right solution for any project.
This means builders’ merchants now have access to a broader range. This widening of choice allows them to cater to diverse customer needs, whether for new installations or replacements. We have also invested in re- tooling to produce DN150mm and DN225mm pipes and fittings with EPDM couplers compatible with Naylor Densleeve profiles. Merchants should take this as an indication of our long term commitment to this market.
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BMJ: What are the specific benefits in sewer projects? TD: Being impervious to hydrogen sulphide found in sewer systems makes our vitrified clay pipes suitable for environments where aggressive substances are present. Their chemical resistance ensures an ultra-longer service life, making them suitable for a wide range of challenging applications. The oldest vitrified clay pipe we have that is still in service is 167 years and counting.
BMJ: How are you meeting circular economy requirements? TD: Now more now than ever, sustainability and the circular economy are at the core of modern infrastructure. Sustainable vitrified clay pipes are 100% recyclable and enter the production cycle as a valuable raw material. Since these pipes do not degrade, they can even be reused in specific cases, minimising the environmental impact and avoiding waste in the process.
Along with a product range that meets market requirements, we are committed to supporting the UK merchant sector, specifiers and contractors with consultancy services and technical support. Whether tackling specific project requirements or helping customers address the latest environmental challenges, the business is commitment to excellence and customer service.
BMJ: Is the UK product different to European products? TD: They all work on the same standard: The European standard EN 295 specifies requirements for vitrified clay pipes, fittings and flexible joints for buried drain and sewer systems for the conveyance of wastewater (including domestic wastewater, surface water and rainwater) under gravity and periodic hydraulic surcharge or under continuous low head of pressure.
BMJ: What are the sustainable benefits of vitrified clay pipes? TD: Our vitrified clay pipes are made solely from natural materials like clay, chamotte and water, fired at high temperatures, causing the clay to vitrify.
This gives the pipe exceptional durability and load-bearing capacity, density and resistance to corrosion without using additional chemicals or coatings.
Their strength enables them to withstand static and dynamic loads, making them suitable for everything from shallow installations to deep sewer systems.
BMJ: How are you meeting sustainability objectives? TD: Every ceramic product from our company contains a minimum of 30% recycled content, making it a pioneering product in terms of circular economy.
Based on LCA studies, we offer the sewage and wastewater sector the most sustainable solutions compared to alternative materials.
BMJ: How are you helping pull product through our branch? TD: Our UK team is already talking to specifiers and contractors in order to make them aware of the benefits of using vitrified clay pipes. We also launched the range at Utility Week Live in May – attended by many of the utility firms and their contractors - and we currently following up some interesting enquiries.
We will also be attending the Drainage Show, 26-27th November at ExCel London, and we encourage merchants to visit us there.
BMJ: When are the products available? TD: They are available now and we have people in the UK that can support merchants with ordering.
BMJ: What does this mean for merchants? TD: In summary, more choices in vitrified clay pipes is not just a win for builders’ merchants; it is a step towards a more sustainable and efficient future in wastewater management. With the right products and support, the industry can meet the growing demands of modern infrastructure while prioritising environmental responsibility. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2025
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