Pipe and systems manufacturer Wavin Ltd (Chippenham / UK; www.wavin.co.uk), the UK subsidiary of Wavin (Zwolle / The Netherlands; www.wavin.com), is now producing PVC drain and soil pipe incorporating a core of recycled polymer. It has termed the three-layer coextrusion process “Recycore Technology” and says it contains at least 50% recycled material. The inner and outer layers of the pipe are both produced in virgin PVC; the internal layer to ensure a smooth surface and the outer layer as it is easier to colour. The resulting composite pipe looks and performs identically to one produced entirely from virgin material.

The development of Recycore has involved an investment of GBP 3m (EUR 3.4m) and was a joint operation between the parent company and its UK offshoot. The process will initially be used at the Chippenham site to produce two sizes of pipe, 110mm diameter and 160mm. Their recycled content is slightly above 50% and Wavin UK says it hopes to increase the level as long as the pipe’s properties can be maintained. The recycled polymer is being bought in, primarily from window and door fabricators.

Commenting on the development, Calum Forsyth, managing director of Wavin UK, said: “Recycore Technology has sustainability at the root of its design and means that you get all the environmental benefits without any compromise on quality, performance and durability. It allows customers to enhance their sustainability credentials at no extra cost.”

Recycore Technology products are tested to industry standards and, where applicable, will be third-party approved, through schemes such as the BSI Kitemark (www.kitemark.com). Feedback from industry is said to be positive, with a very encouraging response from a number of major housebuilders.

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Wavin promotional video showcasing the new “Recycore Technology” posted on YouTube