Study confirms plastic pipe is more ecologically friendly than metal pipes.

A study by Berlin University of Technology proved that the production of plastic pipe is far less harmful to the environment than metal pipes. Here is a translation from a German trade magazine.

"The study involved the analysis of a real world drinking water system which also included the central supply station. All aspects of production were considered. Such as raw material extraction, conversion into pipe, other required system components, installation and waste treatment from the production process.
The following plastic material were analysed and compared from an ecological point of view. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polypropylene (PP), polybutlene (PB), Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (cPVC) - IPPEC’s QUICKPIPE - Copper and galvanized steel. The Berlin university had to develop and establish a scientific procedure known as (VENOB) to conduct this comparative study.
This procedure simplified the interpretation of the information obtained. The accompanying charts show clearly why metal pipes are more harmful to the environment, and in some cases by several factors. The scientific analyses of the VENOB was based on 8 drinking water systems made from the above mentioned 6 different materials.
Therefore it is not enough to specify high efficiency heating and hygienic plumbing anymore. Clients are insisting that the manufacturing process must also be green. Safer plumbing systems is a vital component of ecological buildings. The scientist conclude that using plastic such as PEX in drinking water system is practically non-polluting.
The tests results confirm what has been assumed and known for sometime by those involved with the plastic plumbing industry. Also the same arguments of non-pollution applies to PEX plumbing in radiator connection systems and in warm water underfloor heating systems."