PHAM NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2026 8 News Review


Counterfeit compliance concerns


Plumbing products sold online are increasingly being marketed with misleading or unsupported claims about WRAS approval, according to Fränkische, a manufacturer of corrugated and multilayer composite pipe (MLCP) systems. The company says it has seen a growing number of products being offered by unregistered vendors with WRAS logos or descriptions suggesting they had been approved, without evidence that the complete product had been certified.


supply are suitable for use and comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations. However, approval applies


to the complete product rather than individual materials or components used within it. A product containing materials that have themselves been approved does not necessarily mean the finished assembly or system has received WRAS approval. Matt Densham,


divisional


Matt Densham, divisional director of Fränkische


WRAS approval provides


assurance that plumbing products, fittings and materials designed to connect to the public mains water


One millionth boiler marks major milestone


The one millionth Greenstar 4000 boiler has officially come off


the tracks at Worcester Bosch’s distribution centre. First launched in 2021, the Greenstar 4000 has been widely installed across the UK. While many units are manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Worcester, production in Manisa, Turkey, has also supported demand. Together, these sites have contributed to the sale of more than one million Greenstar 4000 units. Worcester credits this success to the merchant and installer communities, whose continuous hard work, feedback and trust have supported the range from day one. David Hunt,


manufacturing,


director of operations


and engineering at Worcester, comments: “Reaching one million sales of the Greenstar 4000 is an incredible milestone for us, but more importantly, it is a testament to the hard work and support of UK installers. This achievement simply wouldn’t be possible without the trade’s continued trust in our technology and their commitment to keeping our homes warm and efficient.


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“There should also be credit given to the manufacturing team here at Worcester Bosch who have worked tirelessly to make this achievement possible. We want to extend a massive thank you to every installer who has fitted a Greenstar 4000 boiler over the last five years; you are the reason we have achieved this.”


director at Fränkische, says: “Unfortunately, we’re seeing an increasing number of instances of products being sold via unregistered vendors that claim to be ‘WRAS compliant’ or displaying approval logos without any evidence that the complete product has actually been certified.”


Installers using products with


questionable or unverifiable certification could face installation failures, remedial costs and compliance problems, as well as potential delays to projects, so they are advised to check the wording describing certification. Claims that a product is “manufactured using WRAS-approved materials” or “designed to meet WRAS standards” do not necessarily mean it has full approval. Installers should also buy from established merchants or authorised distributors and check that manufacturers can provide an approval number for the specific product or range. Genuine WRAS approvals can be checked through the official WRAS Approvals Directory.


Register and earn points


As the heating industry’s busiest months approach, Warmflow is encouraging installers to register eligible installations through its free Warmflow Connect rewards programme. Installers earn points for registering Zeno Air Source Heat Pumps, Agentis Oil Boilers and Nero Hot Water Cylinders, which can be redeemed against rewards including coffee vouchers and Warmflow-branded Yeti mugs. The platform also provides a record of registered installations. To celebrate the launch of the heating season, and alongside new rewards on the platform, Warmflow is also running giveaways on social media. Follow Warmflow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for your chance to win. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/926/07


Copper is good for life


The founders of the Copper


Sustainability Partnership, Lawton Tubes and Mueller Europe, have introduced a 75-year warranty across their copper products, covering manufacturing defects. The partnership says the warranty reflects copper’s durability, with pipes claimed to have twice the lifespan of plastic alternatives. Copper is also infinitely recyclable without loss of quality. Co-founder Oliver Lawton


said the warranty would give customers “peace of mind” while


highlighting copper’s performance and longevity. The new warranty is applicable


to all plumbers and specifiers purchasing copper products from both manufacturers and covers any manufacturing defects. For the full warranty terms and conditions and to find out more about Lawton Tubes and Mueller Europe, visit lawtontubes.co.uk or muellereurope.com.


NEWS IN BRIEF


◼ DeWalt and WorldSkills UK have launched a partnership giving UK students and appr ent i c e s t r a ining opportunities through the WorldSkills UK National Competitions, aiming to inspire careers in trades ahead of November’s National Finals in South Wales.


◼ Parent company of Baxi, BDR Thermea, has completed its acquisition of 100% of G.I. Holding, a leading Italian manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions for commercial and industrial applications.


◼ As part of its commitment to support local communities, Fernox has donated £10,000 to Woking & Sam Beare Hospice. The money will help to fund the charity’s vital specialist end-of-life care for patients across six Surrey boroughs.


◼ REFCOM, the UK’s primary F-gas certification body, has registered its 10,000th member, reflecting rising levels of best practice across the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump (RACHP) sector.


◼ Bristan, a UK supplier of taps and showers, has been acquired by FM Mattsson Group. Bristan will complement existing UK business Aqualla, creating a stronger, more balanced platform in one of Europe’s largest bathroom and kitchen mixer markets.


◼ Pump specialist Wilo has retained EcoVadis Platinum status for a fifth consecutive year, achieving its highest ever score of 91 points. The record rating reflects external validation of its non-financial indicators, in line with EU sustainability rules.


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