Thermoplastic Pipe Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe and Thermoplastic Composite Pipe), By Polymer Type (Polyethylene Pipe, Poly Vinyl Chloride Pipe, Polypropylene Pipe, Polyvinylidene Fluoride, and Others), Application (Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, Mining & Dredging, and Utilities & Renewables), and Regional Forecasts, 2021-2028

The global thermoplastic pipe market size was USD 3.09 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 3.29 billion in 2021 to USD 4.65 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.1% in the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market witnessing a negative impact on demand across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global industry will exhibit a lower growth of -9.8% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Thermoplastic pipes are plastic pipes made from a polymer material synthesized from plants in large amounts and transformed through chemical processing. This pipes are gaining popularity in oil and gas extraction because they do not corrode and have lower maintenance, unlike metal pipes. In addition to fighting corrosion, the pipes act as an essential alternative in many piping and plumbing solutions due to many advantages. Some of the most important thermoplastics are polyethylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), and polystyrene. These polymers can be used in many possible structural applications, such as wire and light-duty utilities. 

COVID-19 IMPACT

Disruptions in Supply & Demand of Raw Material to Slow Down Growth amid Pandemic

Disruptions in supply chains and the slowdown in industrial processes caused due to the global health emergency has impacted the global economy for both consumer and manufacturer, resulting in implications on production, demand, and supply chains since the spring of 2020 and directly impacting pipe manufacturers. Supply chain disruptions and falling demand have pushed raw material prices to new highs since the start of the pandemic. For instance, the U.S. export prices of PVC have nearly doubled to a record high of USD 1,775 per tonne over the past year. The costs of other plastics materials also increased by 20% to 50%, resulting in price increases of raw materials and unstable supply.

The fluctuations caused due to the supply chain and volatility in raw material prices have impacted the value chains of oil & gas commodities, leading to dropping demand. For instance, In April 2020, OPEC has extended oil production cuts by roughly 20 million barrels per day (bpd). In addition, the growing regulatory and public pressure pertaining to the environmental impacts of industrial activity creates new challenges for manufacturers. For instance, In China, the enforcement of environmental laws will gradually shut down calcium carbide-based PVC plants, which account for 80% of China’s PVC production capacity.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Acceptance of Non-Corrosive Pipelines in Oil and Gas Industry and Utility Sector

The thermoplastic type of pipes in the oil and gas industry plays a substantial and dynamic role in the transportation of oil and gas activity has been a big success, constituting an emerging corrosion strategy. Crude oil and natural gases contain various corrosive contaminants such as CO2, water, microbes, and others, influencing internal corrosion rate. However, the practice of using thermoplastics in oil and gas production and transportation is emerging as a viable and reliable solution to mitigate corrosion. Material types such as polymers and composite materials have applications in both onshore and offshore pipelines due to their advantage of low weight and better corrosion resistance than metals.

In addition, these pipes are not vulnerable to biological attack, and its smooth, non-stick inner surface results in low friction factors and exceptional resistance to fouling. Moreover, the superior properties of thermoplastic type pipes have been established cognized and incorporated to mitigate corrosion due to chemical attacks on metals and traditional leakage problems. For instance, On June 07, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has addressed pipeline and pipeline facility operator’s requirements to minimize the emissions caused by the pipelines facilities and combat climate change and managed to replace or remediation of pipelines made from cast iron, bare steel, which can cause a disproportionately large share of incidents involving methane leaks, and is expected to significant opportunities for the market during the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Opportunities in Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy to Fuel Market Progress

The use of thermoplastic pipes has a track record in the oil and gas industry for hydrocarbons and gas gathering and are opting for plastic pipes as a cheaper alternative. Its gathering lines connect wells to production facilities, thereby increasing the role of plastic pipe in the oil and gas industry. The reinforced thermoplastic type of pipe (TRP) has been widely accepted as a flexible, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant alternative to steel pipe in low- and medium-pressure oil and gas applications. This has allowed the companies to cut-down the cost, resulting in a rapid development and deployment of this pipes to overcome the inherent drawbacks of steel pipes. The growing use of the thermoplastic type of pipes in offshore activities such as chemical injection, decommissioning, and intervention is propelling the demand for the market.

For instance, In September 2020, Strohm has bagged a contract with the Western Australia oil and gas industry for its thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) technology. The company will supply 10,000 psi TCP Jumper Spools which will be used for Monoethylene Glycol (MEG) injection service.

Citing another instance, Aker Solutions announced an investment in April 2019 in Airborne Oil & Gas, which manufactures high strength, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant pipes with significant cost and operational benefits for oil field service and subsea production applications. The two companies will collaborate to develop advanced TCPs for different subsea applications

Cost-Saving Associated with Installation And Maintenance to Drive Market Progress

The use of thermoplastics pipe systems is a proven pipeline solution which can withstand high heat and extreme pressure. It has been one of the most effective solutions which has resolved the issues such as, corrosion and leakage problems that generally occurs in traditional iron and steel pipes.  It resulted in reduced product failure, thereby propelling its demand. The thermoplastic lines have given durability with a track record of trouble-free service second to none. The system's flexibility has resulted in the development of cost and time-saving no-dig installation techniques, reducing disturbance to the public, and ease in maintenance.

In addition, the use of this pipes is a feasible option to extend the lifetime of pipelines and reduce maintenance costs as these pipes can withstand salt corrosion and H2S/CO2 corrosion. Moreover, the installation process of thermoplastics requires less manpower. It consumes less time than other options as it allows the streamline operations while minimizing the safety issues, resulting in reduced installation cost time and downtime. This factor is expected to drive the market during the forecast period.

On June 22, 2021, Wienerberger used the innovative plastic piping system to transport green hydrogen in the Netherlands. Groningen Seaports, a Dutch port operator, has chosen the innovative SoluForce plastic pipes from Wienerberger Piping Solutions to transport them to the industrial and chemical plants in the region. The SoluForce lines are about one-fifth less expensive than the steel pipes and have a lower CO2 emission over their entire lifecycle. In addition, the pipes are quick to install and require no maintenance.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Nature of Piping Material and Safety Issues Likely to Hinder Market Growth

Thermostatic pipes material is used as an internal lining in the oil and gas industry and constitutes an emerging corrosion strategy. However, the thermostatic pipes are inherently susceptible to gradual damage due to creep, fatigue, permeation, processing defects, and installation blunder. In addition, its mechanical properties exhibit a greater sensitivity to temperature and specific environments, reducing its capacity to resist fracture as the loading duration increases, which is likely to hinder the thermoplastic pipe market growth.

In addition, plastics are good insulators that enable the thermostatic pipe to acquire a static charge due to friction. The friction can be caused due to handling of the line during storage, shipping, installation. Further, the flow of gas that contains dust or scale or from the pneumatic transport of dry materials can be a safety hazard due to the possibility of leakages of a combustible leaking gas of an explosive atmosphere. However, methods such as maintaining a conductive path to earth ground by applying a film of electrically conductive liquid such as water to are used to minimize the hazard of a static electric discharge.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Type Analysis

Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) Segment Accounted for Largest Market Share with Increase in Adoption in Oil & Gas Application

Based on product type analysis, the market is categorized into the reinforced thermoplastic pipe (TRP) and thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP). The RTP pipe is expected to dominate the market share. These pipes are reinforced by high-strength materials and are reliable solutions for transporting hydrocarbons, refined fuels, and chemicals due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, chemical compatibility, and paraffin buildup resistance. Due to the advantages of RTP, more and more major oil and gas companies and operators started to replace their steel pipelines with this new technology, resulting in additional development and production of RTP products.

The thermoplastic composite pipe possesses a lightweight, flexible composite pipe that enables deeper water exploration, production, and intervention and lowers corrosion and oil spill issues. This factor has a proven and significant impact on pipe material cost and lowers cost for each project. It has benefited oil gas and chemical operation, water transportation field to replace steel-reinforced, and another related composite pipe for more economical and environmental purposes.

By Polymer Type Analysis

Polyethylene (PE) Type Segment Accounted for Largest Market Share with Use in Low Temperature Applications

Based on polymer type analysis, the market is categorized as polyethylene (PE) pipe, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, polypropylene pipe (PP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and others. The polyethylene (PE) polymer pipe is expected to dominate the market segment as it can be used in low temperatures without risk of brittle failure. It enables a significant application for specific PE piping formulations for low-temperature heat transfer applications such as radiant floor heating, snow melting, ice rinks, and geothermal ground source heat pump piping.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is characterized by high physical properties and resistance to chemical attack by strong acids. It is one of the most frequently specified types of polymer for thermoplastic piping materials. It has been successfully used in such diverse areas as chemical processing, industrial plating, chemical drainage, fresh and wastewater treatment, chilled and tower cooling water, deionized water manufacture, and distribution, and irrigation sprinkler systems.

Polypropylene pipe (PP) type of polymer pipes has the most versatile chemical resistance of the thermoplastic materials and is identified as the sentinels of industrial piping. It is widely accepted for drainage of mixed industrial chemicals and is suitable for milder solutions of most acids, alkalis, salts, and many organic substances, including solvents.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) has versatile chemical resistance to salts, strong acids, dilute bases, and many organic solvents. The PVDF is ideal for handling wet or dry chlorine, bromine, and other halogens and has the most acceptable combined strength, working temperature, and chemical resistance characteristics.

The other segments consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), expanded polystyrene (EPS0, ABS, SAN, polyamides (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), polyarylsulfone (PSU), fluoropolymers, PEEK, POM, PBT, EVOH, and others.

By Application Analysis

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Oil and Gas Segment Accounted for Largest Market Share Owing to Adoption of Pipes for Transporting Fuel

Based on application analysis, the market is categorized into oil & gas, water & wastewater, mining & dredging, and utilities & renewable. The oil & gas segment dominates the market due to the use of pipes to transport petroleum and natural gases. Moreover, advanced products such as reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTP) are gaining popularity among operators and engineers in the oil and gas industry because this type of pipe can withstand extreme conditions and is not susceptible to common issues. As per our market statistics the oil & gas itself accounted around 42% of the market. 

Thermoplastic type of pipes are extensively used in water & wastewater applications as a sustainable solution for transporting wastewater to treatment plants. They are primarily used in non-pressure pipe systems such as drainage and sewer networks, utility holes and inspection chambers, stormwater pipes, and infiltration boxes.

In mining & dredging, thermoplastics are mostly used to produce high-performance hoses, flame retardant mining cables, mining screens, or conveyor belts due to their excellent processing properties. The thermoplastics pipes are also used in dredger projects from the lake and ocean to carry sea sand to dredge the mud. The use of this pipe makes it applicable to dredging situations. It can provide cost savings in installation labor and equipment, maintenance, freedom of design, and extended life of pipeline systems.

In renewable and utilities, the popularity of renewable energies and, consequently, the increasing share of renewable energy to meet the climate targets is propelling the market. Thermoplastic type of pipes contributes significantly to the energy transaction as it provides one of the dependable distribution solutions and makes renewable energy a more viable solution. Moreover, the thermoplastic piping has reflected its low break rates compared to other alternatives in the utility sector, resulting in more energy-efficient work. For instance, Canada's National Research Council (NRC) study has experienced an average break of 0.5 per 100 kilometers for polyvinyl chloride water distribution compared to 32.6 breaks for cast iron and 7.9 breaks for ductile iron.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific accounted for the major share of the market in 2020. The growing urbanization & development of infrastructure has resulted utility sector to adopt the cost-effective solution for transportation, resulting in propelling the demand for market. Moreover, this has given more incentive for the producers of thermoplastic type of pipes to switch their production to this pipe.

Countries across Asia are expanding their efforts to access potable water and sewage systems, which creates significant opportunities for the plastic pipe market. Its comparatively low cost and ease of installing plastic pipe gives it advantages over other pipe materials. Moreover, the sustained demand in India for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and increased safety concerns in China are likely to support the growth of the thermoplastic market across the region.

In the North American region, the growth in oil and gas demand has created a significant demand for the use of thermoplastics to overcome the drawbacks of steel pipes such as corrosion, weight, fatigue, and minimize the safety hazards while transporting oil and fuel. It acts as one of the major driving factors for the thermoplastic market across the region. For instance, In November 2018 U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has announced a final rule that amends the use of plastic piping systems for transporting natural gases or other gases and allowing the use of certain materials or practical.

In Europe, the energy transition into renewable energy and becoming climate neutral by 2050 has propelled the demand for the market across the region. For instance, the European Union Green deal has seen hydrogen as one of the key technology for making Europe climate-neutral using green hydrogen and utilizing the existing plastic pipe network to deliver the hydrogen fuel to a broad range of industries such as industrial processes, gas for households, vehicle fuel, and many more.

In Latin America, the significant increase in investment for the oil and gas sector is expected to propel the markets. Countries in Latin America such as, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador have generated a significant increase in the production of hydrocarbons and reserves. This results in an opportunity for new wave of resource in transporting it.

In the Middle East & Africa, much of the demand for this pipes backed by the construction sector is expected to sentiment clouds the market outlook for plastic pipe in the Middle East and Africa markets. Thermoplastic pipes in GCC countries are particularly preferred in sewage applications and own the highest market share. Material like PVC and PE are used in potable water pipes and have a wide availability in the area due to the massive supply and subsequent ease of access to high-density polyethylene.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Wienerberger Focuses On Sustainable Goals for Its Piping Solution  to Meet Ambitious Targets

The market comprises small and large players delivering scale products for numerous applications shaping the competitive landscape. Key players operating in the market are National Oilwell Varco, Baker Hughes, and Magma Global working on technological advancement to hold a substantial global presence.

Wienerberger is a leading international supplier of building materials and infrastructure solutions. We are improving people’s quality of life and shaping the future of construction. As a global supplier of building materials and infrastructure solutions, the company produce high-quality bricks, pipe systems, and pavements

• April 2021 - Wienerberger has set its sustainable goals for its piping solution to support the European Plastics Strategy and the European Green deal. The company focuses on developing recycled or reusable plastic products. Recycling enables the extended service life of the material up to 300 years and more.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Wienerberger (Austria)


• Advanced Drainage Systems (U.S.)


• Baker Hughes (U.S.)


• Georg Fischer (Switzerland)


• National Oilwell Varco (NOV) (U.S.)


• GF Piping Systems (Switzerland)


• Magma Global (U.K.)


• KWH Group (Finland)


• Exxon Mobil  (U.S.)


• Sasol (South Africa)


• Sibur (Russia)


• Uponor Corporation (Finland)


• Simtech (U.S.)


• Topolo (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2021 - Magma Global delivered one of the first high-pressure composite riser pipes in the world to HWCG at its storage site on the U.S. Gulf Coast, marking the completion of its rapidly-deployable OFR (Offset Flexible Riser) system.


• January 2021 – Baker Hughes unveiled the next-gen series of Onshore Composite Flexible Pipes. The introduction of this new pipes portfolio helps address issues such as corrosion as well as challenges such as cost of ownership of conventional steel pipes.

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The global thermoplastic pipe market research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the industry by offering valuable insights, facts, industry-related information, and historical data. To formulate the market research report, several methodologies and approaches are adopted to make meaningful assumptions and views. Furthermore, the report covers a detailed analysis and information as per market segments, including product type, polymer type, application, and regions, helping our readers to get a comprehensive overview of the global industry.

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