EPD Ireland
Data stock: Data that has been made publicly available

Process data set overview page

Data set: 1" Qual-Pex+ 'Easy Lay' pipe (00.03.000)

Full name
1" Qual-Pex+ 'Easy Lay' pipe
Location
IE
Reference year
2025
Valid until
2030
Reference flow(s)
Type
EPD
Parameterized?
no
LCIA results included?
yes
Category
Synonyms
Use advice for data set
All the production and transport steps up to the factory gate are included in the system boundaries. This includes the transport to customer phase, construction phase, use phase, demolition phase and the waste processing phase. The LCA study is applicable to the Pipelife Ireland Solutions Ltd production location in Cork. A cradle-to-grave study is performed. Therefore, the analysis in this report covers the following phases: • A1 Production of input materials • A2 Transport • A3 Production process • A4 Transport to end user • B Usage Phase • C1 Demolition • C2 Transport to waste processor • C3 Waste processing • C4 Final waste disposal • D Benefits beyond system boundary All relevant inputs and outputs - like emissions, energy and materials - have been taken into account in this LCA. And in accordance with EN15804+A2, the total neglected input flows per module do not exceed 5% of energy usage and mass. This process outlines the life cycle of the pipe, following the EN 15804 standard phases (A1-D). Raw Material Supply (A1): The product is composed of granules, an EVOH barrier, pigments, and packaging materials. These components are sourced and prepared for transport. Transport to Production Site (A2): Raw materials are delivered to the production facility using EURO 6 trucks and bulk ships. Manufacturing (A3): At the production site, the raw materials undergo extrusion to form the final product shape. The product is then packaged for distribution. Transport to Construction Site (A4): The packaged product is transported to the construction site using EURO 6 trucks. Installation (A5): The product is installed on-site as part of the construction project. Usage Phase (B): The product remains in use throughout the building’s lifetime. This phase typically includes maintenance, repair, and replacement, though they are not specified here. End of Life (C): After its useful life, the product is deconstructed and transported to a waste processing facility. It then enters a recycling process. Benefits Beyond the System Boundary (D): Recycled materials are fed back into the system, potentially displacing the need for virgin materials in future production processes.
Data set use approval
General comment
Data quality: The data collection took place in 2024. Data flows have been modelled as realistically as possible. The data quality assessment is based on the principle that the primary data used for materials and processes occurring at the production site is selected in the first instance. Where this is not available, other reference data is selected from appropriate sources. The following five criteria have been assessed for all generic datasets used in this LCA study: • Time-related coverage: All datasets are from Ecoinvent 3.9.1 (2021), ensuring data is less than 5 years old. • Geographical coverage: European datasets (RER) were prioritized to match the primary supply chain. Where unavailable, global data (GLO) was selected as the best alternative. • Technological coverage: Each dataset reflects the most typical technology available in the market during the dataset's reference period. • Completeness: All datasets include full upstream and downstream process chains to ensure completeness. • Uncertainty: Ecoinvent datasets include inherent uncertainty values, with precision levels averaging ±5% for primary material processes. Allocation: In accordance with EN 15804+A2, Section 6.4.3.3, the following allocation principles have been applied in this study: • Waste allocation: Any waste generated during the production process was allocated based on mass. For instance, production waste such as pipe cuttings and off-spec material was modelled as waste output. • Recycling and secondary material Use: Recycling processes have been modelled using a conservative approach. Recycled content is accounted for within the material production stages, while recycling credits for recovered material at the end of the pipe’s life are included in Module D. These allocation rules ensure compliance with EN 15804+A2 guidelines and provide a fair representation of environmental impacts throughout the product’s life cycle. Cut-off criteria: Exclusions The following elements are excluded from the scope of this LCA study in accordance with EN 15804+A2: • Commuting of employees to and from the production site • Machinery used within the facility (e.g., forklifts, maintenance equipment) • Office-related activities such as IT equipment, administrative energy consumption, and staff facilities • Capital goods and infrastructure (e.g., building construction and maintenance of the factory) These exclusions are considered immaterial and are unlikely to significantly affect the overall results.
LCI Method Principle
LCI Method Approaches
No records found.
Completeness of product model
No statement
Reviews
  • Independent external review by
License and access conditions
Copyright
yes
License type
Free of charge for all users and uses
Access information
None
Owner of data set
Pipelife Ireland Solutions Ltd
Technical purpose
The Qual-Pex Plus+ 'Easy-Lay' pipe is a high-performance, multi-purpose piping system engineered for reliable distribution of hot and cold water, central heating, and underfloor heating. Manufactured in Ireland to meet rigorous quality standards, this next-generation solution combines durability with exceptional flexibility. Its unique lay-flat design enables faster, easier, and more cost-effective installations across residential and commercial applications. The Qual-Pex Plus+ pipe is compatible with a wide range of connection systems, including press, push-fit, and compression fittings, offering versatility and convenience on site. Designed for long-term performance and ease of use, it is ideal for modern plumbing and heating systems. This product is intended for use in: Potable hot and cold water distribution Radiator-based central heating systems Underfloor heating installations Domestic and light commercial building services Its flexibility, ease of handling, and compatibility with common fittings make it particularly well-suited for both new build and retrofit applications. The main components from the product are: Granules 97% EVOH barrier <1% Pigments <1% Adhesive material <1% Packaging <1% Qual-PEX Plus Easy Lay barrier pipe is a multilayer polyethelene pipe with an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) oxygen barrier, suitable for use in hot and cold potable water systems, central heating, and underfloor heating applications. Compatible with press, push-fit, and compression fittings.
Input Products
No records found.
Co-Products
No records found.
Data set version
00.03.000
Time stamp (last saved)
2025-08-28T18:12:18
Data set format
Compliance systems
  • EN 15804+A2 (Overall compliance: Fully compliant)
  • ISO 14025 (Overall compliance: Fully compliant)
  • ISO 21930 (Overall compliance: Fully compliant)
Tag
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