The pipes sector group of Italian association Unionplast (Milan / Italy) has joined The European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA, Brussels / Belgium; www.teppfa.eu), making it the 15th national association member.

Unionplast is part of the Italian plastics industry association Federazione Gomma Plastica (Milan; www.federazionegommaplastica.it) and its pipes sector group has existed for 10 years, working towards greater standardisation and cooperation in drafting the quality requirements for pipes and fittings. Recognising the synergies between itself and TEPPFA, the group made the decision to become a member and add its voice to the association.

Libero Cantarella, director of Unionplast, said: “The work that TEPPFA does in Europe to voice the concerns and ideas of the industry is essential. Its values of standardisation, promoting high quality products and environmental responsibility are ones that we, and our members, share. It was therefore an easy decision to join the association so that we can add our support and voice our opinions at a European level.”

The pipes sector group and TEPPFA are organising a joint sustainability workshop to take place in Italy in May 2017. Maarten Roef, president of TEPPFA, said: “The addition of the pipes sector group from Unionplast is a great boost to the association, its eagerness to contribute and bring its expertise to the wider industry is admirable and a great example of the cooperative spirit prevalent throughout our sector. Our aim has always been to be a voice that represents the whole industry and the addition of new members only makes our voice stronger.”