Steve Richmond, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Building Solutions, has been appointed President of the British Plastics Federation’s (BPF) Pipes Group, taking over from Richard Hill of ACO Technologies.
Steve had previously been the group’s Vice President for three years. In this role, he was responsible for chairing the organization’s Strategy group and its response to ongoing industry topics such as Brexit, supply chain strain, and COVID-19.
Piping systems industry
The BPF Pipes Group is a trade federation of the UK plastic piping systems industry and a member of the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA). It is dedicated to promoting the development, acceptance, and usage of manufactured plastic piping systems across the utilities, civil, building services, and construction industries.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed the President of the British Plastic Federation’s Pipes Group at such a crucial time for multiple sectors,” comments Steve. “The use of plastic piping systems has skyrocketed in the past 50 years in all applications, and the BPF’s work as a prominent industry voice providing technical expertise and informing and influencing standards is more vital than ever before.”
Driving further change
Specifically, he is keen for the group to help drive further change around net-zero
“It is my hope that as President and supported by our new Vice President, Rachel Smith of Aliaxis we can help the group play a key role in developing the high-quality products and solutions for future challenges.”
One particular challenge Steve is focused on is emphasizing the sustainability credentials of plastic-based pipework systems and solutions. Specifically, he is keen for the group to help drive further change around net-zero, both in terms of the manufacturing footprint of plastic pipe manufacturers and their numerous applications in our journey to net-zero by 2050.
Standards governing pipework
“Continued innovation has established plastic as a viable material in improved performance over traditional materials whilst improving sustainability,” Steve concludes. “But more needs to be done to raise awareness of the benefits of plastic pipes and their applications.”
“While change will not happen overnight, standards governing pipework will continue to evolve, and we as an industry need to look at how we can increase the use of recyclates in plastic pipe manufacturing. We are at the start of the journey here, and encouraging a circular economy of materials where possible will require buy-in from the many stakeholders in the industry. I hope my presidency can help in this ongoing shift.”
