The plastics pipe industry is facing a generational transition at a time when materials, piping technologies, standards and regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly complex. To help younger professionals navigate this environment, the North American Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) has established its Emerging Professionals Group (EPG).
The initiative aims to provide professionals entering the industry with access to technical knowledge, networking opportunities and professional development. It also seeks to strengthen relationships across the various sectors of the plastic pipe industry and encourage the development of future industry leaders.
The idea originated during PPI's 2024 Annual Meeting, when a group of younger members began discussing ways to accelerate knowledge transfer and build professional connections. The initiative subsequently evolved into a formal programme developed by a ten-member steering committee in cooperation with PPI staff.
Following its first official meeting in May 2025, the group experienced rapid growth, with more than 100 emerging professionals participating the following year.
Technical expertise across five industry divisions
The Emerging Professionals Group brings together members from all five PPI divisions: Building & Construction, Energy Piping Systems, Drainage, Municipal & Industrial, and Power & Communications.
A particular focus is placed on understanding the technical and regulatory framework governing plastic piping systems. At the 2026 PPI Annual Meeting, a dedicated presentation addressed the role of industry associations, standards development organisations, certification bodies and code developers.
Participants received guidance on the organisations and technical resources relevant to different plastic pipe products and applications. The programme was developed with input from engineering specialists representing all five PPI divisions.
Addressing the industry's generational transition
Beyond professional networking, the initiative also responds to a longer-term challenge facing the plastic pipe industry: the transfer of knowledge from experienced engineers, scientists and technical specialists to the next generation.
According to PPI President David M. Fink, the association's nearly 200 member companies are increasingly affected by changing workforce demographics and the approaching retirement of senior industry professionals.
With PPI members working with around 15 different types of plastics, approximately 20 relevant standards organisations and numerous allied associations, maintaining access to reliable technical information is particularly important.
The EPG conducts annual member surveys to identify priorities for future activities. Networking, technical expertise, career advancement and leadership development have emerged as the main areas of interest, providing the basis for further training programmes and industry events.
Through the Emerging Professionals Group, PPI aims to strengthen knowledge transfer within the industry while supporting the continued development of sustainable and resilient plastic piping solutions.
