Consulting group Ceresana Research said plastics pipe is becoming more popular, in comparison with other materials such as aluminum, concrete, cast iron, copper and steel, thanks to their low weight, resistance to corrosive effects and chemicals and ease in handling and installation.
Ceresana expects plastic pipe sales in Europe to increase to 12.7 billion euros ($17.3 billion) in 2020, at an annual growth rate of 2.7 percent.
The group noted that polypropylene and polyethylene pipes are still in the process of challenging the dominance of PVC-pipes in potable water supply, but they are already playing a notable part in both gas supply and in industrial applications.
Ceresana said higher-perfomance polymers, such as polybutylene, nylon and ABS, are likely to become more widespread.
The largest European market for plastic pipes is Germany, which accounted for 13.5 percent of total European consumption in 2012. Russia ranked second, followed by Turkey, France, and Italy.