As seen in the Tried & True Spring 2025 issue
The world of water management is continuously evolving, with materials like high-density polypropylene (HDPP) expanding the role of plastic pipe in demanding applications. Rather than replacing high-density polyethylene (HDPE), HDPP offers a solution for situations where HDPE may not be the best fit, taking on projects traditionally handled by concrete or metal. Fratco’s ProCorr pipe exemplifies this evolution, embracing HDPP’s advanced properties to offer a next-generation solution for heavy-duty projects like stormwater management, construction and beyond.
Wait, What is HDPP?
If you’ve been around the plastic industry, you’ve probably heard of HDPP. At this point, it’s hard to avoid hearing it!
So what is it? HDPP, or high-density polypropylene, is a crystalline thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional strength, flexibility and chemical resistance. While similar to HDPE (high-density polyethylene), HDPP’s higher rigidity and heat resistance make it better suited for demanding applications like industrial drainage and stormwater management. It’s important to note that HDPP isn’t replacing HDPE—instead, it’s filling roles where HDPE isn’t the ideal choice, replacing materials like concrete or metal for added strength and durability.
HDPP can confidently replace options like metal or concrete in many instances where performance under stress is of extra importance.
According to a recent review in Discover Nano, polypropylene has evolved significantly over the decades, finding applications in fields ranging from biomedical scaffolds to high-performance filtration membranes. Its use in water management reflects a growing awareness of its potential to handle more robust applications than HDPE while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective profile. With its robust abilities, HDPP is also a great alternative to conventional concrete and steel pipe.
Why HDPP Matters in Water Management
Stormwater and industrial water management demand materials that can resist corrosion, sustain high flow rates and endure heavy structural loads. In cases where HDPE may not provide the necessary strength, HDPP steps in as a reliable alternative to materials like concrete and metal. HDPP meets these unique needs by providing:
- Superior Rigidity
Greater resistance to deformation
under load - Chemical Stability
Non-reactive to a wide range of substances - Environmental Sustainability
Recyclable for greener construction practices
As stormwater infrastructure
continues to evolve, driven by environmental challenges and urban development, HDPP products, like Fratco’s ProCorr, are becoming indispensable tools for ensuring resilient and long-lasting solutions.
Fratco’s ProCorr:
Staying in Front of the Curve
ProCorr is an excellent example of how HDPP expands the possibilities of plastic pipe in water management. This Fratco product offers enhanced load-bearing capacity and resistance to environmental stressors, making it especially suited for applications where traditional materials like concrete or metal were previously required, such as large-scale stormwater systems and industrial drainage.
In fact, ProCorr and similar HDPP products are being used more commonly in southern markets. Twin Oaks Environmental, a proud Fratco distributor in Opelika, Alabama, recently demonstrated the power of innovation by incorporating Fratco’s ProCorr pipe into a groundbreaking project. Tasked with designing an underground drainage system for a new sports complex, Twin Oaks faced a challenge: the initial plan called for a concrete vault, a costly and labor-intensive solution. Recognizing an opportunity for improvement, they proposed an alternative approach using ProCorr, Fratco’s dual-wall HDPP pipe.
This wasn’t just a cost-saving measure—it demonstrated the shift in how municipal drainage systems can be approached. ProCorr’s lightweight yet durable design eliminated the need for heavy machinery and extensive manual labor, significantly reducing the project’s timeline and expenses. Collaborating closely with Fratco and Xerxes, a supplier of underground liquid storage tanks, Twin Oaks developed and refined the system’s design. After rigorous review and detailed submittals, project engineers approved, clearing the way
for implementation.
The result? A drainage system that set a new standard for efficiency, sustainability and performance. In this venture, robust and durable drainage systems were paramount, and ProCorr’s strength and reliability proved indispensable.
A Step Closer to Tomorrow’s Innovations
It’s no secret that the adoption of HDPP in water management reflects a broader industry trend toward finding better solutions for challenging applications. By complementing HDPE and stepping into roles traditionally filled by concrete and metal, HDPP is redefining what plastic pipe can achieve in the most demanding conditions. At Fratco, we’re ready to continue providing tomorrow’s innovations today so that you always have the best materials for your
next project.
