THE Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA), a pivotal entity in the Southern African plastics pipe industry, has launched Project “Superior Quality 2024″ (SQ24). This initiative underscores SAPPMA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of product quality in the region.
Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA, emphasises the urgency of addressing long-standing challenges related to suspect quality, particularly concerning HDPE pipes. He explains that factors such as the use of third-party recycled material, price-cutting, and inadequate official certification have contributed to this persistent issue.
“Maintaining superior quality has always been the foundation of the SAPPMA brand. Project Superior Quality 2024 is our comprehensive response to the rising incidents of suspect quality, reaffirming our commitment to excellence in the plastics pipe industry,” Venter says.
Key measures under Project Superior Quality 2024 include:
- Stricter standards: Immediate adoption of the latest SANS ISO 4427:2023, with an increased OIT (Oxidation Induction Time) test value of 30 minutes at 210°C and a maximum 20% shift in OIT value from raw material to the final product.
- Enhanced monitoring: Increased frequency of sampling and testing through unannounced factory audits, ensuring compliance with the revised standards.
Code of conduct amendments: Strengthening the existing code of conduct signed by member companies, aligning it with the updated quality standards. - Advisory committee restructuring: The advisory committee is restructured into four different market sectors, allowing for more focused attention and expertise.
Disciplinary committee establishment: A dedicated disciplinary committee, free from conflicts of interest, is established to handle deviations from the code of conduct, ensuring accountability. - Industry collaboration: Increased interaction with consulting engineers, municipalities, and contractors to promote awareness and understanding of product quality.
- Public awareness campaign: A focused promotional campaign in the media aimed at informing the public about the industry’s commitment to superior quality.
- Venter expressed confidence in the success of the initiative, citing the full support of the board of directors and emphasising the collective responsibility of all members to ensure the success of Project Superior Quality 2024.
“This initiative underscores SAPPMA’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality standards of plastic pipes in Southern Africa, fostering confidence in products, the market, and the association itself. We invite all stakeholders to join hands with us in this crucial endeavour, which underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality standards for the benefit of the industry, market, and public,” he said.
