PPI Celebrates 75 Years of Standards, Science, and Industry Collaboration

IRVING, TX — The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) is marking its 75th anniversary in 2025, recognizing more than seven decades of work supporting plastic piping systems used in water, wastewater, plumbing, heating, cooling, gas distribution, energy infrastructure, and utility applications.

Founded in 1950 as the Thermoplastic Pipe Division of the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), the organization later became the independent, nonprofit Plastics Pipe Institute. The transition to independence occurred in 1999, following decades of technical and industry development under SPI.

“PPI was a business unit of the Society of Plastics Industry until 1999,” explained Rich Gottwald, PPI president in the late 1990s. “It was then that we separated from SPI and formed as an independent trade association located in DC. SPI had been in DC since the early 80s—prior to that it was in New York City.”

Today, PPI represents all major segments of the plastic pipe industry across North America. Its work spans research, standards development, advocacy, and education, with direct relevance to engineers, utilities, manufacturers, and contractors installing and specifying plastic piping systems in the field.

The association is supported by more than 200 member companies, along with hundreds of volunteers who serve on technical committees, task groups, and marketing-support teams. These groups share field experience, testing data, and engineering insight to improve system performance and long-term reliability.

“For 75 years, PPI has brought together the brightest minds and leading companies in the plastic piping industry to solve challenges, improve performance, and build a better future for our world,” said David Fink, President of PPI. “It’s quite remarkable that many industry professionals have been participating PPI members for 20 years and longer. We’re pleased that our efforts now more than ever reach a global audience, and incredibly proud of our history and very excited about where we and our industry are headed.”

Long-term member involvement has been a defining characteristic of the organization, with many professionals volunteering on committees for two decades or more.

“We created the PPI Lifetime Achievement Award to honor and recognize that the success of the association was built on the shoulders of the members who have contributed so much for the advancement of the industry,” stated Past PPI President Tony Radoszewski. “As an example, Stan Mruk was the first HSB chairman and played a crucial role in developing the testing parameters that got plastic pipe into the pressure industry in a major way.”

A History of Innovation

A central component of PPI’s technical leadership is the Hydrostatic Stress Board (HSB), which evaluates plastic pipe materials and establishes pressure ratings and testing methodologies. The board’s work has been foundational in validating long-term performance and safety for pressure piping systems used in potable water, plumbing, and energy applications.

This technical backbone has supported broader acceptance of plastic piping across applications including stormwater management, sanitary sewer, gas distribution, hot- and cold-water plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and conduit for power and communications cabling. Over time, PPI has worked closely with regulators, engineers, utilities, contractors, and manufacturers to ensure consistent performance and code acceptance.

Significant organizational growth followed the appointment of Tony Radoszewski as president in 2006, bringing a stronger operational and member-focused structure to the association.

“PPI had the foundation for efficiency and expansion when I joined in 2006,” Radoszewski explained. “This model was that the CPPA division (now Drainage Division) had one engineer directing all its activities. The other sections, however, shared a staff member. This was the catalyst for a major operational change. We focused on having a single, qualified engineer who would lead a division, plus we added dedicated support staff.

"The move from Washington, DC to Dallas was also done to better serve PPI members as it was a central location, ideal for meetings with members who could usually fly non-stop from all over the North America. We also emphasized a motto of ‘Member Run, Member Led’ and applied it to all decision processes, which continues to payoff for PPI members and the industry overall.

“PPI got to be a major force by participation in the international community. PPI has held a leadership position in the Plastic Pipes Conference Association going back to the early 2000's when it was created by joining together three European pipe associations: TEPPFA, PE100+ and PVC 4 Pipes.”

Over the years, PPI expanded beyond the HSB to include five application-focused divisions: Building & Construction, Drainage, Energy Piping Systems, Municipal & Industrial, and Power & Communications. These divisions reflect the range of real-world systems contractors encounter on jobsites.

The association also strengthened its public policy efforts by establishing and staffing a Director of Sustainability & Advocacy position this year, increasing engagement with regulatory and legislative stakeholders.

PPI divisions are led by professional engineers with deep technical and industry experience.

“These directors bring deep technical knowledge, practical industry insight, and a commitment to advancing best practices,” Fink explained. “Their expertise ensures that PPI’s work is grounded in sound engineering principles and reflects the latest advancements in materials science, system design, and industry standards.”

Leading with Purpose

PPI continues to focus on collaboration across the industry to develop codes, technical standards, and educational resources that support safe installation, long service life, and resilient infrastructure.

Current initiatives include sustainable infrastructure advocacy, water conservation and system resilience, workforce and engineering education, government affairs engagement, and the rollout of new digital tools designed to improve data access and design accuracy.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, PPI remains focused on advancing plastic piping systems that support long-term performance and sustainability.

Improving the quality of life today, and for generations to come, by championing the advancement, acceptance, and use of sustainable and resilient plastic pipe systems.

The organization commemorated its 75th anniversary during its Semi-Annual Meeting, held October 20–23 in Mobile, Alabama.

“This anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a reaffirmation of our mission and our dedication to creating infrastructure that is safer, smarter, and more sustainable,” said Fink. “We thank our members, partners, and allies for their commitment and collaboration over the years.”

More information is available at www.plasticpipe.org.