The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI), the major North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry, recently celebrated its 75th anniversary during its semi-annual meeting, Oct. 20-23 in Mobile, Alabama.
Founded in 1950 as the Thermoplastic Pipe Division of the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), the organization later became the independent non-profit Plastics Pipe Institute.
“PPI was a business unit of the Society of Plastics Industry until 1999,” explained Rich Gottwald, PPI president in the late 1990s. “It was then that we separated from SPI and formed as an independent trade association located in DC. SPI had been in DC since the early 80s — prior to that it was in New York City.”
From the earliest use of polyethylene pipes for water service lines to today’s cutting-edge multilayered composite systems used in energy infrastructure, PPI has worked closely with regulators, engineers, utilities, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure consistent performance and public confidence in plastic piping solutions.
The Voice of an Industry
Today, PPI represents the plastic pipe industry across North America and is recognized for its leadership in research, standards development, advocacy and education. During the decades, PPI has played a pivotal role in advancing modern infrastructure by promoting the safe, efficient, and sustainable use of plastic piping systems. The PPI staff is supported by more than 200 member companies along with hundreds of dedicated volunteers who work on task groups, technical and marketing-support committees, sharing ideas and experiences.
“For 75 years, PPI has brought together the brightest minds and leading companies in the plastic piping industry to solve challenges, improve performance, and build a better future for our world,” said David Fink, president of PPI. “It’s quite remarkable that many industry professionals have been participating PPI members for 20 years and longer. We’re pleased that our efforts now more than ever reach a global audience, and incredibly proud of our history and very excited about where we and our industry are headed.”
Evidence of the long-time commitment to the organization by a many of its members can be found in those who have volunteered and served on various committees for 20 years and longer.
Hydrostatic Stress Board
According to the group, a cornerstone of PPI’s technical leadership is the Hydrostatic Stress Board (HSB), that has played a vital role in advancing the science, testing, and performance of plastic piping materials. Made up of industry experts and material scientists, the HSB conducts rigorous evaluations to establish pressure ratings, develop testing methodologies, and ensure the long-term reliability and safety of plastic piping systems.
“We created the PPI Lifetime Achievement Award to honor and recognize that the success of the association was built on the shoulders of the members who have contributed so much for the advancement of the industry,” said Tony Radoszewski, past PPI president, who the organization credits as helping usher in a watershed period of growth for PPI. “As an example, Stan Mruk was the first HSB chairman and played a crucial role in developing the testing parameters that got plastic pipe into the pressure industry in a major way,” Radoszewski added.
Application-Focused Divisions
Over the decades, in addition to the Hydrostatic Stress Board, PPI has expanded to include five application-focused divisions — Building & Construction, Drainage, Energy Piping Systems, Municipal & Industrial and Power & Communications — representing the extensiveness of the industry and its applications. Additionally, the group has expanded its public policy and legislative initiatives by establishing and staffing a Director of Sustainability & Advocacy, beginning in 2025.
PPI divisions are led by an experienced and expert professional engineer.
“These directors bring deep technical knowledge, practical industry insight, and a commitment to advancing best practices,” Fink explained. “Their expertise ensures that PPI’s work is grounded in sound engineering principles and reflects the latest advancements in materials science, system design, and industry standards.”
Today, PPI continues to promote and facilitate collaboration across the industry to develop technical standards and codes, conduct critical research and provide educational resources for engineers, policymakers and the public.
Source: Plastics Pipe Institute
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