TPI March 2024

Business & market news

INEOS polymer used to create sustainable pipeline INEOS produced bio-based high density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used to create the world’s first fully sustainable gas pipeline. Installed by French gas utility network operator, GRDF, the pipeline only uses low carbon footprint polymer. Rob Ingram, INEOS Olefins & Polymers North CEO, said: “Our congratulations to GRDF for this world first. At INEOS, we are very proud to play a part in this game-changing sustainable pipeline innovation.

The result is a polymer with a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional, fossil-based polymers and because of this it has been recognised by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), an independent, third-party organisation. ISCC have certified that the production of the pipes laid by GRDF meet ISCC Plus standards by replacing the use of fossil fuel derived feedstocks to produce the new material. Importantly, the bio-polymer has the same technical characteristics as conventional polymers, enabling a partner like GRDF to meet the highest standards of safety while reducing the environmental impact of networks it operates on behalf of local authorities. It also creates the potential for the innovation to be repeated for other gas and water pipelines. All polymers offered by INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe are also 100 per cent recyclable, alongside the lower carbon footprint associated with the bio-based HDPE.

“Alongside the work we are doing to drive down emissions and reduce plastic waste in the polyolefins industry, it’s another example of our commitment to working with partners to develop efficient, lower emission solutions for transporting important utilities and goods around Europe’s cities.” Alexandre Pierru, GRDF innovation project manager, said: “GRDF has proven that it’s possible to distribute biomethane, a bio-based gas, with bio based certified polyethylene pipes. “It’s thanks to our collaboration with partners such as INEOS. They showed a strong will to find solutions to decarbonise the raw material of our

The new pipeline is installed in Clermont Auvergne Métropole, in the French city of Clermont-Ferrand, as part of a GRDF program to ‘green’ pipelines in parts of the region with a similar commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. One kilometre of pipeline will be laid across three sites in the Clermont Auvergne Métropole gas network. The pipeline is made from bio-based, certified HDPE supplied by INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe. It is made from wood processing residues from the paper industry, which are transformed into tall oil – a bio-naphtha. The tall oil is turned into bio-ethylene at INEOS Cologne and transported to INEOS’ polymer plant in Lillo, Belgium, where it is used to manufacture bio based HDPE.

pipes.” INEOS www.ineos.com

The international trade magazine for tube and pipe products

Next Issue May 2024

April 2024 12 Editorial deadline

April 2024 23 Advertising deadline

Thousands of readers worldwide Target the global tube industry Combine print and digital readership Unrivalled editorial coverage Latest news and features Additional exhibition coverage

Grow your Global reach

Editorial Features Copper & aluminium tubes Small diameter, high precision tubes

Show issue for

Website: Telephone: Email:

www.read-tpi.com +44 1926 334137 tpi@intras.co.uk

Website: www.read-tpi.com Email: tpi@intras.co.uk Telephone: +44 1926 334137

Here to serve the industries we helped to shape

126

TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL March 2024

www.read-tpi.com