Above ground drainage products from Polypipe Terrain feature in a new exhibition celebrating plastics’ contribution to sporting achievement and the part they have played in London 2012’s sustainability agenda.
Now open to visitors, the Plastics for Gold Exhibition at the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) is part of the Cultural Olympiad and has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark.
Polypipe Terrain’s Hydromax Siphonic roof drainage system and FUZE Gravity Drainage for soil and waste management, both produced from HDPE, Domus Ventilation system manufactured from PVC and polybutylene based under-floor heating systems feature in the display, alongside an array of plastic products ranging from a canoe paddle to a stadium seat and rowing pogies.
Polypipe Terrain, the commercial-sector-focused business from British-owned plastic piping supplier, Polypipe, supplied 95% of the plastic above ground drainage pipe work in the Olympic Park and its inclusion in the exhibition highlights how plastic pipes have helped London 2012 achieve its aim to host the most sustainable Olympic Games to date.
“Plastics are the most used group of materials in the world, yet they are seldom given a second thought”, explained Susan Lambert, Head of the Museum of Design in Plastics at The Arts University College at Bournemouth. “This exhibition explores the ways plastics can contribute to delivering a zero waste games, foster multiculturalism, and inspire people to take up sport and develop active and healthy lifestyles.”
Polypipe was the first plastic piping systems company to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard and employs a virtually waste free production process. The carbon emission of its contribution to the Olympics was kept unusually low by the local manufacture of most of the products only 30 miles from the Olympic Park.
Adam Turk, Commercial Director at Polypipe Terrain, said: “We feel very honoured to be among the companies invited to contribute to the prestigious and fascinating Plastics For Gold Exhibition.”
There are many advantages of using plastic over traditional materials. They are light in weight, easier to handle for quicker installation and do not corrode. In addition plastic pipes do not have the same black market value as metal pipes, thus removing the threat of theft.
MoDiP is part of the Arts University College at Bournemouth and is the only accredited museum in the UK with a focus on plastics.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "Plastics for Gold is encouraging people to understand the role of plastics in sport and their contribution more widely to London 2012. I am proud that with the help of partners such as MoDiP, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost understanding of design for sport and how plastics can contribute to sustainability."
