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Copper Crisis: Why the Industry Must Transition to Stainless Steel Pressfit Solutions

Copper theft is spiralling out of control. Across Australia, copper piping theft is wreaking havoc on construction sites, costing businesses millions of dollars and throwing project timelines into chaos. With prices soaring and shortages predicted, the piping industry is compelled to reconsider its reliance on copper and is turning to stainless steel as a more reliable and cost-effective piping option.

Let’s look at some issues and recent facts surrounding the copper crisis.

Copper Theft is on the Rise


The issue of copper theft has been widely reported in the news lately. With the cost of copper becoming an increasingly expensive material to source, thieves have resorted to copper theft given its high resale value in the recycling and black market. And it is not just construction sites that copper piping has been stolen from; there have been instances where copper has been stripped from both residential and commercial buildings, leaving property owners with costly repairs and significant disruptions.

Here are some recent examples of copper theft in Australia and their impacts:

    In early 2023, thieves targeted a high-rise residential development in Sydney, stealing $200,000 worth of copper pipes and materials. This theft caused significant delays, as contractors rushed to install new piping amidst the copper shortage, blowing out the project’s cost and timeline.

    In early 2024, a Melbourne office complex construction site experienced similar theft. Several kilometres of copper pipes worth at over $150,000 were stolen, severely impacting the project’s timeline and budget. The rising cost of copper, driven by its high resale value, has made construction sites with copper piping more vulnerable to theft.

    The rise in copper piping theft is a wake-up call. With copper’s high resale value and easy site access, copper has become a prime target. Combined with predicted shortages, dependence on copper piping is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

    Predicted Global Copper Shortages Are Now a Reality


    The International Energy Agency predicts global copper demand will surge twentyfold by 2040, with existing mines and projects under construction expected to meet only 80% of copper needs by 2030.

    “Right now, the supply gap is at a level that we haven’t seen before in terms of absolute tonnes,” an industry spokesman stated.

    The other issue is that mining companies must dig deeper into the mine to look for fresh supplies of copper, sometimes more than 2km underground. This adds significant costs to mining operations; costs that are inevitably passed onto the consumer.

    Predicted global copper shortages, driven by reduced production, have already impacting the supply market in 2024. In addition, copper inventories held by mining companies are being depleted at an unprecedented rate.

    To say there is a global piping material shortage caused by the fallout of copper production, compounded by widespread copper theft, is an understatement. The need for the Australian piping and plumbing industry to move towards a better solution is an urgent reality.

    Stainless Steel Pressfit: The Smarter Alternative


    With the growing risks and costs associated with copper, stainless steel pressfit solutions emerge as the more secure, efficient, and cost-effective option. Here’s why stainless steel solutions outperform copper:

    1. Cost Stability and Theft Resistance
    Unlike copper, stainless steel doesn’t carry the same high resale value, making it a less attractive target for thieves. Its pricing is more stable, providing greater predictability for piping project budgets and stable supply.

    2. Corrosion Resistance
    Stainless steel forms a self-repairing chromium oxide layer, ensuring long-term durability in various environments, from corrosive industrial settings to high-pressure systems. In contrast, copper is prone to corrosion, especially in acidic or chlorine-heavy conditions, which can lead to contamination and costly repairs.

    3. Strength and Durability
    Stainless steel’s strength surpasses copper’s softness, making it ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications without risk of deforming or failing. Its rigidity also limits thermal expansion. Plus, stainless steel’s strength reduces the need for additional support brackets by 40% compared to copper.

    4. Installation Efficiency
    Pressfit systems eliminate the need for welding, making installation quicker, safer and more cost-effective. In fact, Surepress™ pressfit piping systems are up to 10 times faster to install than traditional welded copper systems. The ease of handling stainless steel piping, coupled with support for larger pipe sizes, reduces complexity and significantly lowers labour costs compared to copper piping systems.

    5. Environmental Responsibility Although both materials are recyclable, stainless steel has a lower carbon footprint and greater longevity, requiring fewer replacements over time. Its sustainability supports industries aiming to meet environmental targets.

    The Future of Piping: Embracing Stainless Steel Pressfit


    As the piping industry evolves and copper supplies dwindle, stainless steel pressfit systems such as Allmach’s Surepress, emerge as the smarter choice. Resistant to oxidation and price volatility, stainless steel ensures a reliable supply chain and longer lifespan. Its versatility also suits specialised applications like high-pressure systems and healthcare, where copper falls short.

    Pressfit technology streamlines installation, cutting costs and enhancing safety. No matter whether you look at it from a safety, environmental, performance or cost perspective, stainless steel pressfit solutions set a new standard for piping, outperforming copper solutions every time.

    To find out more about how Allmach’s Surepress stainless steel pressfit solutions can give your next installation or re-fit a premium edge, visit our Surepress catalogue pages, or contact our technical team on 1300 625 562.

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