Cast iron retains its properties even after recycling

The first drinking water pipeline was constructed in cast iron in 1853 and was replaced after 164 years with cast iron again, from Saint-Gobain PAM. Cast iron scores high marks for durability, strength and total cost of investment, making it one of the top circular products in the GWW.

Saint-Gobain PAM is among the multinationals in ductile iron pipes. In the Netherlands, subsidiary Saint-Gobain PAM Nederland is making headway. Based in Almere, it promotes cast iron pipes suitable for the transport of all types of water, drinking water, wastewater and fire fighting water.

Wonderful features

"Ductile iron is exceedingly strong, tough and flexible," exults Edwin Porssius of Saint-Gobain PAM,. And once it gets going, a host of other wonderful properties follow. "It is made from iron ore, a natural material that is infinitely recyclable. After all, metals have been reused for centuries. Should a tube become obsolete, it can be melted down and transformed into a new tube with exactly the same ring stiffness and flexibility. Ductile iron retains - even after recycling - all of its original properties. This, of course, is an ironclad story." 

Short-term vision

Yet large Dutch clients still do not always choose ductile iron as a solution. "It does show a bit of short-term vision if cast iron is omitted as an option in the selection process. After all, cast iron lasts more than a hundred years," Porssius explains. "That makes cast iron wonderfully durable. It is therefore a product that is strong and sound that you don't have to worry about for decades. More attention should be paid to it, because in many cases ductile iron is a very good, sometimes even better, alternative to plastic."  

New in ductile iron

"Preventing leaks is high on our customers' agenda. By providing our customers with new pipes in circular ductile iron, we contribute to the sustainable energy transition. Moreover, cast iron is very valuable as a residual stream. Thus, we help our customers reduce waste streams," Porssius explains. Saint-Gobain PAM stands for sustainability of underground infrastructure with ductile iron.