A recent report on the climate impact of plastics was published by McKinsey and Company. The report conducted a study comparing plastics to non-plastic alternatives in a number of applications including pipe. McKinsey found that PVC pipes have 35% lower greenhouse gas emissions than ductile iron and 45% lower greenhouse emissions than reinforced concrete. The study focused on gravity and pressure sewer pipes in the United States with a designated service life of 100 years. Other factors of the report include that PVC weights less than alternatives, making it possible to achieve the same function with less material and transport of ductile iron and reinforcement concrete require more energy to transport and install. Read the full report and other research reports on the Sustainability section of the PIPA website.
