This calculation tool compares the carbon footprint of plastic pipes compared to metal pipes. It evaluates the energy required to produce the raw materials and also the energy required during the production of the pipes. The core data used to generate this comparison is openly published data available in environmental databanks, see "sources" (bottom of the page). The results are calculated in kg CO2 equivalent per meter of pipe.
The low weight per meter of plastic material compared to metal results in a far lower carbon footprint for plastic pipes than metal pipes. Further, processing plastic requires much less energy, as the operating temperatures are significantly lower when compared to metal processing.
For further information to the complete embedded carbon footprint of plastic pipes, ie. From cradle to grave, please refer to the LCA and EPD reports and statements available from GF Piping Systems Ltd.