High-Strength Drainage Pipes Using Waste Plastic - February 2003

High-Strength Drainage Pipes Using Waste Plastic - February 2003

Endo Shoten of Miyagi Prefecture has developed a high-strength drainage pipe called ER Pipe, utilizing waste plastic recycling technology. Previously, drainage pipes made of polyethylene had problems with strength, requiring the addition of new chemical substances as reinforcing materials. However, Endo Shoten has established a technology to mix and melt-mold waste PET (polyethylene terephthalate) flakes with polyethylene, and has succeeded in increasing strength without using reinforcement materials.

This technology enables PET to be uniformly dispersed with polyethylene to provide high mechanical properties without the use of compatibilizers. The result is improved durability and reduced costs compared to conventional polyethylene-only pipes. This product has been certified as a "product using recycled waste resources" by Miyagi Prefecture, and is expected to expand its market in the future.

Endo Shoten is working with local governments and private companies to introduce the product into sewage maintenance and agricultural drainage systems. The company is also working to develop new applications by combining it with other waste plastic materials to promote the effective use of recycled resources.