Connecting Europe: Ceresana Forecasts Growing Market for Plastic Pipes

KONSTANZ, Germany - Feb. 6, 2026 - PRLog -- For some time, the European market for PVC pipes, polypropylene pipes, and pipes made of other polymers stagnated at around 5 million tonnes per year. However, Ceresana market researchers are now expecting a slight recovery in demand: EU directives on drinking water (DWD) and urban waste water treatment (UWWTD) are gradually coming into force and driving the expansion of water pipe networks. Adapting to climate change and extreme weather events requires investment in new pipes in agriculture and horticulture, but also in many municipalities, for example for pressure pipes, plumbing pipes, or water treatment. In addition, there is a growing need for empty conduits to protect power and telecommunication lines: For cable protection, often made of polyethylene, Ceresana expects growth of 1.7% per year.

Plastic Pipes for Indoor and Outdoor Use

The latest, already eighth edition of Ceresana's European plastic pipe market report distinguishes for the first time between in-building installations and external utility networks when it comes to the key figures for the two application areas "potable water" and "sewage". The trend continues towards lightweight, durable plastics: Old metal pipes are replaced with new pipes made of polypropylene random copolymer (PP-R pipes) or cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X pipes), particularly during renovations. Glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) are used in particular for large pipes where rigidity and corrosion resistance are required. Ceresana's plastic pipes industry analysis expects high growth of around 3% per year for GRP pipes. Ceresana is forecasting growth of 1.4% for polyethylene pipes, which are used in particular for potable water, irrigation, and parts of gas networks. One of the reasons for the increasing demand for plastic pipes is the trend towards trenchless construction methods, among other things.

Opportunities and Risks for Plastic Pipes

The European construction industry could recover from 2026 onwards. There are large government investment programs for infrastructure. With a "European Grid Package" and new "energy highways", the EU wants to expand the trans-European energy networks, especially the cross-border electricity, gas, and hydrogen pipelines. The market report examines demand in the various segments of the construction industry separately. In most European countries, commercial, infrastructure, and military buildings are outperforming residential construction. The hype surrounding artificial intelligence is currently causing a boom in the construction of data centers. The new study also contains background information on the regulatory framework in the EU as well as the general economic situation and the situation in the construction industry.

Further information on the market study "Plastic Pipes – Europe" (8th edition): https://ceresana.com/en/produkt/plastic-pipes-market-repo...