Copper

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According to independent research commissioned by UK copper tube manufacturer Mueller Europe, copper is still the preferred choice of material for professional installers.


Some of the key reasons given was that it was thought to last longer than plastic, produces a permanent fit and consumers prefer it.

Overall, copper was the preferred choice of 78% of respondents, and for new- build by 57%. Ease of use for plastic was identified as the number one plus point, but 30% of installers added that the ‘anyone can fit’ attribute was its worst feature.
“The research has produced a wealth of information, but I think one of the really big concerns that installers have about plastic is that it is so easy to use it de-skills their expertise,” says Peter Marsh, MD of Mueller. “Clearly, there is a role for plastic tube, but copper remains the number one choice by a massive margin for both new-build and refurbishment work.”

Mueller Europe also points out an environmental benefit of copper — the purity from previously used material is indistinguishable from virgin product. More than half of the copper that goes into manufacturing at Mueller’s Wednesbury plant has been recycled, so there is virtually no waste in manufacturing.