European drinking-water applications are facing a changing regulatory and technical landscape.
The EU Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184 (EU DWD) introduces harmonised hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water while lowering the parametric value for lead in drinking water. These changes are accelerating the transition towards alternative material concepts for water-management components.
From Brass to PARYLS® PPSU
Brass has traditionally been used for drinking-water fittings due to its strength, pressure resistance and established processing methods. However, lead-containing copper alloys are coming under increasing pressure.
For selected fitting applications, PPSU offers an alternative for the substitution of metallic materials.
The material combines:
- corrosion resistance
- hot-water resistance
- high impact strength
- long-term hydrostatic performance and mechanical strength under pressure according to ISO 9080
- no lead-related migration from the polymer material
With the PARYLS® PPSU F1550 series, YOUJU offers a high-performance polymer for demanding fittings and plumbing components. Available variants include natural, black, white, grey and additional colours, subject to grade-specific availability and documentation.
YOUJU is currently preparing the European qualification package for PARYLS® PPSU. This includes the EU DWD assessment and long-term hydrostatic pressure testing according to DIN EN ISO 9080 at SKZ in Germany. The ISO 9080 programme covers key fitting colours and generates multi-temperature regression data to assess long-term pressure performance.
LUMILOY® PPE for Pumps and Water-Management Components
Not every drinking-water component is a pressure-loaded fitting. Pumps, impellers, diffusers, housings and functional water-management components place different demands on the material.
Modified PPE compounds can combine the following relevant properties:
- low water absorption
- high dimensional stability
- good hydrolysis resistance
- low density
- thermal performance
- high stiffness in glass-fibre-reinforced grades
These properties are particularly important for components where dimensional changes can affect clearances, efficiency, noise or long-term performance.
The LUMILOY® portfolio from LG Chem includes PPE/PS compounds for technical water applications. The glass-fibre-reinforced grades LUMILOY® GP2200K and LUMILOY® GP2300K contain 20 and 30 percent glass fibre respectively.
Selected LUMILOY® grades have established drinking-water approvals, including NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, KTW and ACS. The relevant EU DWD data on migration, leaching and hygiene are expected to become available soon.
The Application Determines the Material
There is no universal material solution for every drinking-water component. PARYLS® PPSU and LUMILOY® PPE address different technical requirements:
| Application | Material option | Relevant properties |
| Press fittings and plumbing connectors | PARYLS® PPSU F1550 | Pressure performance, hot-water resistance, corrosion resistance |
| Pump impellers and diffusers | LUMILOY® PPE | Low water absorption, dimensional stability |
| Pump and valve housings, water-meter components | LUMILOY® PPE | Hydrolysis resistance, stiffness, low density |
| Metal substitution in selected fittings | PARYLS® PPSU F1550 | Metal replacement, no lead from the polymer material |
| Dimensionally critical water components | LUMILOY® GP2200K / GP2300K | Glass-fibre reinforcement and dimensional stability |
Material suitability must always be assessed for the specific grade, colour, component design, operating temperature, pressure conditions and applicable regulatory pathway.
Supporting Customers Through the Qualification Process
Polymer-Service PSG supports customers with:
- material preselection
- comparison of application requirements
- technical documentation
- processing recommendations
- simulation
- sampling and project qualification
- review of the regulatory status
The objective is not simply to replace one material with another. The objective is to identify a technically and commercially suitable, properly documented material concept for the individual component.
Meet Us at FAKUMA 2026
EU DWD, lower-lead drinking-water systems and the qualification of high-performance polymers will be key topics at FAKUMA 2026.
Visit us at FAKUMA 2026 at Booth B5-5209 and discuss your drinking-water application with our team.