Wavin wins gold

A ten-year product development programme has certainly paid off for Wavin Plastics’ innovative Apollo pipe system, which has been awarded first prize in the Solvin Awards for PVC Innovation. The company received recognition with a Gold Medal and a cheque for EUR 50,000 at a ceremony in Dusseldorf.


Widely recognised as a significant leap forward in pipe performance, Apollo

was developed specifically for potable water pressure distribution systems.

It is the first Bi-axial Orientated PVC-O pressure pipe to be manufactured by

a continuous process and represents the next generation of PVC-U pressure pipes.

In addition, Apollo is substantially tougher and lighter in weight than standard

PVC-U water distribution pipes and enables water companies to significantly

reduce pipe installation costs.

The competition was organised by Solvin, a joint venture company between Solvay

and BASF. It is designed to provide a focus on quality improvements, competitiveness,

sustainable development and more importantly the versatility and cost effectiveness

of PVC in relation to other materials.

Apollo fought off stiff competition for the award from 84 international submissions

including processors, recyclers, universities and individuals.

Commenting on the award, Michelle Fleming, market manager for below ground

and utilities said: “We are delighted that Apollo has gained such high

recognition from the Solvin jury. It is indeed the innovative process and cost-effectiveness

of this superior product which underlines the strength of PVC as a versatile

material.

“This recognition signals a business breakthrough for the company. Three

major water companies including Yorkshire, Mid Kent and Vivendi have already

specified Apollo and as it becomes more widely accepted, it will go a long way

to improving supply and quality of potable water.”

By combining the performance benefits of the increased strength and toughness

of molecular orientation, with the cost benefits afforded by a fully automated

on-line extrusion stretching and socketing process, Apollo offers the most cost

effective solution to any distribution open cut situation.

The higher strength of Apollo allows the wall thickness to be reduced, resulting

in a lightweight, flexible pipe system which is ideal for narrow trenching and

above ground pipe jointing. Additional benefits include the simplicity and ease

of the Apollo push-fit joint which combines with an on-line factory formed socket

that is supported internally, offering a totally reliable pipe system, which

is resistant to impact or damage during handling and installation.

Apollo has also recently been accredited with its Kitemark license (KM58400)

from the British Standards Institution against against the newly published Water

Industry Standard, WIS 4-31-08, January 2001: Issue 2.

For further info please contact Wavin Plastics on 01249 654121

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