European plastic pipe manufacturers association Teppfa (Brussels; www.teppfa.eu) has published guidelines to assist its members in meeting sustainability standards set under the EU’s taxonomy regulation.

The regulation aims to drive investment into sustainable activities and meet objectives under the European Green Deal.

Teppfa noted the publication of its taxonomy guidelines is just the first step in a process to increase the eligibility and alignment of its sectoral activities.

General manager Ludo Debever said, “Taxonomy is of major importance for our member companies and fully in line with Teppfa’s strategic vision. However, our members regret that their activities are currently not included, since the European Commission decided to focus on the sectors of the main greenhouse gas emitters.”

The association commissioned consultancy Ecoinnovazione (Bologna, Italy; www.ecoinnovazione.it) to advise on how the plastic pipes industry could align with both the EU’s climate and environmental taxonomy, with a focus on the circular economy. Its analysis found potential in the activities of users of plastic piping systems in areas such as the construction of new buildings and renovation of existing ones.

Related: Plastic pipe demand driven by ongoing substitution of metal – AMI report

Teppfa also highlighted several challenges with the EU’s taxonomy system, including its complexity, the need for consistent and reliable data to assess environmental performance of economic activities, and the exclusion of activities that may have environmental benefits but do not meet the technical screening criteria.