Uponor, the global solutions provider for the delivery of safe drinking water as well as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, launched the first PEX pipes worldwide and revolutionized the entire industry back in 1972.
resistant and versatile pipes
Fifty years later, the pipes have proven to be resistant and versatile and are not only still around, but continue to be the basis for further sustainable innovations. This is because the durable and non-corrosive material is not only incredibly flexible but is able to withstand temperatures of up to 95°C.
First used in underfloor heating, currently, PEX pipes are suited to a variety of applications and are used in heating and cooling systems, taps, and radiator connections.
water, heating, and radiant applications
PEX pipe has set a standard in the industry and has set a record that remains unrivaled"
“Our PEX pipes were ground-breaking in the 1970s and they have been a success story ever since,” says Mark Dowdeswell, Senior Category Manager at Uponor.
He adds, “With more than six billion meters of PEX pipe for drinking water, heating, and radiant applications installed around the world, our PEX pipe has set a standard in the industry and has set a record that remains unrivaled.”
Easy installation
In addition to its suitability across applications, the material’s flexibility makes installation particularly easy: the pipes are delivered on large coils or boxes and can be cut on-site meeting individual needs.
In addition to their outstanding chemical and hygienic properties, PEX also features a thermal memory, the so-called “memory effect”, allowing for a fast and secure connection with the Uponor Q&E fittings that were launched in 1994: Once expanded, the pipes shrink back to their original size around the fittings.
sustainability
Even 50 years after its initial launch, Uponor PEX pipes continue to innovate and accelerate sustainability. Earlier this year, Uponor launched PEX Pipes Blue, the world’s first bio-based PEX pipes with ISCC certification based on the mass balance approach.
The pipes feature a reduced CO2 footprint of up to 90% compared to fossil-based PEX pipes while keeping the same outstanding performance, features, and quality.