Iplex Faces 30,000 Strong Class Action Lawsuit

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PPN News Alerts bringing together the complete supply chain from manufacturers of resins, plastic pipes and fittings, machinery and equipment to specifiers, designers, suppliers and end-users!


NEWSMAKERS:  * AGRU * Aliaxis * Ashirvad Pipes * Ax Pipe * Berger Montague Lawyers * BGC * CPVC * ExcelPlas * Exlon Pipe * Experts.App * Failure Analysis * FBU * Fletcher Building * GF Uponor * Infra Pipes * Iplex * NaTran * PF-Schweisstechnologie GmbH * Pinsent Masons * Polybutylene Pipe Failures * Polymer Pipe Failures * Typlex™ PB Pipe Failures * SABIC * UPONOR * WAVIN * WSAA * Zhejiang Xinda Plastic Pipe Co. Ltd

BREAKING NEWS

Manufacturing Giant Iplex Faces Huge Class Action Lawsuit Over Allegedly Defective Polybutylene Pipes
Allegedly defective plastic pipes spark a massive class action involving 30,000 homes nationwide

Legal Firm Seeking Property Owners Who Have Experienced Problems with Uponor PEX Plumbing Pipe

INDUSTRY PODCAST

Listen to this PPN as a 1 minute Audio Briefing (mp3)

INDUSTRY NEWS

Material Science Breakthroughs in Plastic Pipes for 2026

AGRU Develop Flexible Clamping System for Welding FRP Dual Laminate Pipes

Ashirvad Pipes (An Aliaxis company) Develops Low VOC Solvent Cement for PVC and CPVC Pipes

Wavin (Netherlands) Develop Multilayer Plastic Pipes Made from PE-RT Layer and UHMWPE Layer

Aliaxis Financial Performance Has Been Poor Lately as its Revenue has Been in Decline

GF Uponor Expands Portfolio & Targets Commercial Growth

Infra Pipes Unveils Refreshed Brand Identity and New Website to Strengthen North American Presence

Queensland Government Refuses More Funding to Save Townsville’s Troubled Glass Reinforced Polymer  (GRP) Haughton Pipeline Stage 2
While the state government has already contributed $195m, Mr Bleijie revealed he previously warned the former administration about project stalls and blowouts

Preventing Failure of CPVC Fire Sprinkler Piping

Effect of Hot-Water Temperature, Chloramine Disinfection and Pipe Material (copper versus PE-Xa) on Legionella

Company Aims to Help Eliminate Poor-Quality Plastic Pipes

Manufacturer of Steel-Wire Reinforced HDPE Pipe Seeking Australian Distributor
The internal steel wire frame provides a rigid structural skeleton that allows the HDPE composite pipe to maintain a working pressure of up to 3.5MPa. This reinforcement prevents the rapid crack propagation often associated with pure plastic pipes, enabling the safe transport of fluids in high-lift mining operations and high-pressure municipal mains without the weight of traditional steel.

Researchers Develop Process to Tackle PVC Pipe Microplastics in Aquatic Systems

WSAA Approves Zhejiang Xinda Plastic Pipe Co Ltd – PE100 Electrofusion and Spigotted Fittings for PE Pipe for Australia

NEW PATENTS

Exxon Mobil Scientists Robert Canright and Nino Ruocco Develop HDPE Pipes with Exceptional Physical Properties

SABIC Patent New Polyethylene Composition Suitable for Impact Resistance Pipe

NaTran (previously GRTgaz) is a French Natural Gas Transmission System Operator Develop Method for Checking, And Device For Measuring, Components Of A Plastic Pipe Prior To Welding
The invention relates to a method for checking, prior to welding, two components made of polymer material, the method comprising a step of determining respective values relating to the roughness of the components, a step of determining respective values relating to the cleanliness of the components, a step of determining respective values relating to the temperature of the components and automated means for halting progression to a subsequent method step should the predetermined conditions not be met.

Germany Company Invents Improved Manual Saddle Peeling Device for Machining of Surfaces of Plastic Pipes
A manually operated saddle peeling device for machining an outer surface of a tubular body, comprises a supporting unit and a guiding unit provided on an underside of the supporting unit and configured to guide the supporting unit in a peeling direction at a defined distance from the surface of the tubular body to be machined. The device further comprises a peeling unit provided on an underside of the supporting unit opposite the surface of the tubular body to be machined, comprising at least one stationary peeling blade which is configured to contact the surface of the tubular body to be machined and thereby remove material from the surface of the tubular body and a handle unit provided to the side of the supporting unit and thus generally parallel to the peeling direction and configured to enable manual guidance of the saddle peeling device over the outer surface of the tubular body at least in portions.

LEGAL NEWS

Greystar Sues Bartlett Cocke Over Alleged $10M PVC Pipe Failure at Austin Apartments
Hot water system mishap at a 381-unit complex turned into a high-stakes fight with the San Antonio builder

Plastic Pipe Manufacturer Multi Makmur Lemindo Named in Regards to Stock Cornering

Pinsent Masons Advises Leading Manufacturer of Plastic Pipe Systems on an Antitrust Supply Claim Against one of its Suppliers

HDPE PIPES

Development of a Polyolefin Elastomer Modified Hybrid Inorganic Filler System for Enhanced Performance in HDPE Double-Wall Corrugated Pipe Production

PVC PIPES

Solvent-Free Mechanochemical Conversion of Soft and Hard PVC Pipe Waste into Sustainable Porous Carbons for Supercapacitors

Researchers Develop Process to Tackle PVC Pipe Microplastics in Aquatic Systems

CPVC PIPES

Preventing Failure of CPVC Fire Sprinkler Piping

GRP PIPES

Experimental Assessment of Stress–Strain Response in Filament-Wound GFRP Pipes Under Internal Pressure Loading

PLASTIC PIPE TESTING SERVICES

Experts in Plastic and Plumbing Pipe/Fitting Testing and R&D Lab Services
ExcelPlas provides testing and R&D lab services for global plastics, pipes, and materials used in the water, gas, plumbing, and other industries. We assist manufacturers develop more durable and robust products while also reducing their time-to-market and dealing with costly failures.
We provide made-to-order independent and reliable testing and R&D services to help your company go beyond routine certification testing to demonstrate other aspects of a product’s safety and performance. Our staff of professional engineers, Ph.D. scientists and dedicated account managers supports your research and development projects.
ExcelPlas expertise and professional R&D services help you expedite market entry for plastic piping products. Our tailor-made research and development capabilities include advanced chemical and structural testing on plastic pipes, fittings and valves, metal fittings and components, manifolds, solvent cements, thread sealants, PVC ingredients and plastic materials for your global applications.
We conduct R&D-related testing on plastic pipes and fittings for oxidation under applied stress, varying flow rates, temperature and pressure, and chemical exposures.
Are you a manufacturer of plastic pipes, fittings, or materials used in piping systems? Our extensive testing and analysis capabilities cover plastic piping systems and components used in:

  • Potable water
  • Non-potable water: Drain, waste, and vent (DWV); Sewer; Reclaimed water
  • Heating and cooling: Radiant heating, Gas distribution, Geothermal
  • Power and communications conduit
  • Fire safety: Fire main, Fire sprinkler
  • Oil and gas gathering

We offer customized solutions through our advanced laboratory capabilities, including chemical and structural testing on plastic pipes, fittings, and valves, as well as metal fittings and components, manifolds, solvent cements, thread sealants, PVC ingredients, and plastic materials for your global applications. This enables you to meet unique performance and regulatory requirements with precision and efficiency. We’ve conducted R&D-related testing for oxidation under applied stress, varying flow rates, temperatures, and pressures, as well as chemical exposures.
By combining our expertise in these testing and product standards, as well as the areas listed below, we partner with our clients to create a tailored research and product development program.

We test the long-term impact of disinfectants on plastic material performance known as Oxidative Resistance Testing in multiple forms including pipe, plumbing components, fittings and test coupons with a fast turnaround.
We can test large-diameter plastic piping and we can test include PVC, PE and other materials.
Slow Crack Growth (SCR) Validation/Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP) Testing
These tests are critical to understanding the performance of piping, particularly in gas applications. They characterize the material’s long-term and short-term performance, respectively.
Chlorine and Chloramine Testing for Rubber Material.
We also test rubber materials for various standards (including ASTM F2023, ASTM D6284, ASSE 1061 and custom-made test methodologies).

PLASTIC PIPE FAILURE INVESTIGATIONS

Crack the Case with ExcelPlas: The Polymer Pipe Detectives
ExcelPlas is a well-established and respected firm specialising in polymer forensic investigation and root cause analysis for the insurance, legal and risk management professions.
Our forensic polymer scientists and engineers investigate a wide range of losses including those with plastic pipes, geosynthetics, protective coatings and engineering problems.
If you think you might have the need for a polymer failure investigator, you can contact us for a free consultation to discuss how best we can support you.
Visit our page https://www.excelplas.com/ for more information on the disciplines we cover.

PLASTIC PIPE CONSULTANTS

Plastic Pipe Consulting Experts and Services
If you need a team of pipe plastic experts, then ExcelPlas Consulting is the obvious choice – our size is our strength in a market dominated by single consultants.
We provide services on everything from material selection, product testing, processing to failure analysis
https://www.excelplas.com/contact-us/

Plastic Pipe Failure – Solve Problems, Limit Damage and Avoid Future Failures
Where polymer pipes are used in engineering applications, reliable and consistent performance is critically important. Failure can have damaging and expensive consequences. We offer expertise in materials properties and durability – with a range of specialist testing and analysis.
 ExcelPlas Labs can help you:

• Understand plastic pipe materials and test their performance properties and durability
• Specify and select polymers based on service requirements
• Understand and recognise how plastic pipes and fittings can fail
• Appreciate how to investigate plastic pipe failures
https://www.excelplas.com/contact-us/

PIPE FAILURE ANALYSIS

ExcelPlas Investigating Poly Pipe Failures
Through failure analysis & forensic chemistry, we help clients improve product performance, increase profits, & resolve product liability claims with plastic pipes and fittings.
We are dedicated to unmatched excellence in failure analysis, investigative chemistry, material testing, and expert witnessing for plastics, polymers and composites.
With over 30 years of investigative experience, the staff at ExcelPlas are uniquely positioned to help clients resolve the most challenging performance and processing issues related to materials and finished pipes and fittings.
https://www.excelplas.com/contact-us/

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ExcelPlas Labs Pipe Failure Investigations
ExcelPlas Labs have created a new benchmark in failure analysis of HDPE, PP-R, PB and PEX pipes in addition to PVC &  CPVC pipes as well as composite GRP and GRE pipes.  When a plastic pipeline fails to perform as intended, our team can determine the root cause of failure (e.g.  oxidative failure, chemical failure, creep failure, over-stress failure, fatigue failure, design failure, etc).  ExcelPlas are experienced with all plastic piping failure modes and mechanisms including Slow Crack Growth (SCG) Rapid Crack Propagation (RCP), Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR), Oxidative Stress Cracking (OSC), cyclic fatigue, manufacturing defects, and polymer material problems.
http://www.excelplas.com/

ExcelPlas Strain Hardening Test (SHT) for HDPE Pipes
The SHT in accordance with ISO 18488 is a relatively new, but excellent way to obtain a rapid indication of the Stress Crack Growth (SCG) resistance of your piping material. This tensile test performed at 80°C has become in just a few years the new standard for Batch Release Testing (BRT). And not without reason.  The test requires only a very small amount of material, the results are very reliable with a very low inter-laboratory scatter and the results are available within a few days, regardless of the PE grade. The SHT is usually performed on resin material but it can also be performed on samples taken directly from pipes or sheets. As accredited lab, EXCELPLAS is happy to discuss the possibilities with you, whether it is for BRT, benchmarking, quality control of your (high performing) PE grade or for polymer compliance/ validation.
http://www.excelplas.com/

Australia’s Plastic Pipe Testing Laboratory
ExcelPlas Laboratories provides a comprehensive plastic pipe joint testing service and is equipped with a state-of-the-art laboratory to test a range of polymer materials including polyethylene and polypropylene. ExcelPlas can carry out testing on plastic tube and pipe ranging in wall thickness from 3mm to 1200mm. ExcelPlas Laboratories provide a comprehensive service to Industrial & commercial companies, environmental consultants, Government bodies, and local Authority customers throughout Australia and Asia. All testing is carried and out in accordance with ASTM, ISO & WIS methods and is fully accredited to ISO 17025 by NATA.

  • Butt Fusion Weld Testing
  • Weld Testing
  • Testing of Electro-fusion Welds
  • Tear on saddle joints
  • Crush De-cohesion of Electro-fusion welds
  • Polymer & Plastics Identification
  • Chemical & Thermal Testing
  • Site Audits

http://www.excelplas.com/

ExcelPlas – the Australian Pipes & Fittings Testing Laboratory

  • Accredited to ISO 17025 by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Australia, and is Australia’s largest laboratory dedicated for the testing of plastic pipes and fittings to various Standards which include Australian, European and International Standards.
  • The staff employed at the laboratory have a combined experience of more than 85 years within the plastics industry specifically with manufacturing, quality control and the research and development of plastic piping systems including HDPE, PEX, PP-R, PVC, U-PVC, M-PVC, O-PVC, ABS, GRP, GRE and PB.
  • Services provided include conformance testing, compliance testing, batch release testing, root cause analysis for field failures and non-destructive testing of samples.

http://www.excelplas.com/

ExcelPlas Lab Specialising in HDPE Pipe Condition Monitoring, Failure Analysis and Testing
In the event of a HDPE buttweld or electrofusion weld failing during initial testing, or in service, we can conduct investigations to assist in identifying the root cause of the failure.
This service also extends to the premature failure of the pipe or fitting itself.
http://www.excelplas.com/plastic-pipes

ExcelPlas Pipe Testing is a Leader in the Field of Polyethylene (PE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Testing
ExcelPlas is accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for butt weld tests, bend and tensile tests, peel decohesion tests on electro fusion sockets and failure mode determination
http://www.polypipetesting.com.au/butt-fusion-welds/

New UHMWPE Pipe for Tailing Offers Greater Than 4X the Abrasion Resistance of PE100 (Australia wide)
http://slurrypipes.com.au/

ExcelPlas Poly Pipe Weld Inspection Lists Top 7 Causes of Weld Failure:

  • Lack of scraping
  • Inaccurate scraping
  • Contamination from dirt, water, oil or clays
  • Lack of Paralell-ness of fusion faces
  • Misalignment of surfaces
  • Time, temperature and pressure deviations
  • Not adhering to cool times

We have extensive experience in inspection of poly pipe welds for assuring welded joint quality.  Direct Poly Pipe Inspection ensures that operators are following the proven welding procedure; this reduces the occurrences of operational errors which lead to defects such as inclusions, lack of fusion (LoF), porosity and misalignment.
More information, contact [email protected]

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