Certified Drinking Water Compound: High-Performance Technopolymers for Safe Water Systems

The replacement of metal with certified drinking water technopolymers is now an established reality in many plumbing industry applications.
The LATIGLOSS compounds, based on PA66 and PPA reinforced with 40 to 60% glass fiber, represent an ideal solution to ensure safety, durability and structural performance even in the presence of hot, cold and disinfectant-treated water.

These materials are certified according to major international standards — NSF, KTW, ACS and WRAS — ensuring suitability for contact with drinking water under all operating conditions.

The Evolution of Technopolymers for Drinking Water Transport

Traditionally, taps, valves and plumbing fittings have been made of brass or stainless steel, reliable but expensive materials that are heavy and subject to corrosion or pickling.
The introduction of certified drinking water compounds has enabled weight reduction, simplified production and improved sustainability, while maintaining high standards of safety and mechanical strength.

LATIGLOSS compounds have been designed to replace metal alloys in structural and functional applications where rigidity, sealing and thermal stability are required.

Application Case: IDRAL and the Shower Panel with Timed Dispenser

IDRAL, a leading manufacturer of taps and sanitary ware for public environments (schools, hospitals, gyms), has chosen LATIGLOSS 66 H2 G/50 for the timed dispenser in the IDRALSave SLIM shower panel.

Technical Project Requirements

To replace traditional metal components, the selected material had to ensure:

• high mechanical strength, to withstand water pressure and assembly stresses;
• dimensional stability over time, to prevent leakage and losses;
• chemical and thermal resistance in the presence of hot water and disinfectants;
• high-quality aesthetic appearance, with homogeneous and glossy surfaces even in reinforced compounds.

The LATIGLOSS 66 H2 G/50 passed all required tests, ensuring performance comparable to metal, but with reduced weight and easier processing.

Technical Properties of LATIGLOSS Compounds

LATIGLOSS compounds combine mechanical strength, rigidity and thermal stability with excellent aesthetic characteristics, thanks to an optimized formulation that reduces glass fiber visibility on the surface.

Property	Typical Value	Technical Benefit
Polymer base	PA66 or PPA	Thermal and chemical stability
Reinforcement	40-60% glass fiber	High structural rigidity
Density	1.45-1.65 g/cm³	High strength with contained weight
Tensile strength	> 200 MPa	Long-term mechanical reliability
Operating temperature	-30°C / +120°C	Suitable for hot and cold water
Certifications	NSF, KTW, ACS, WRAS	Suitable for contact with drinking water
Surface finish	Glossy, homogeneous	Aesthetic appearance comparable to metal

Advantages of Certified Drinking Water Compounds

The use of LATIGLOSS compounds in water systems offers technical and production advantages compared to metallic materials:

Advantage	Description
Resistance to hot and disinfected water	Excellent stability in presence of chlorine and aggressive additives
No corrosion	No risk of oxidation or metal release
Weight reduction	Up to -50% compared to brass
Dimensional stability	Constant sealing and precision over time
Improved aesthetics	Glossy and regular surfaces, even in reinforced versions
Production compatibility	Injection molding with standard equipment
International certifications	Guaranteed compliance for all major markets

Sustainability and Safety

The adoption of certified drinking water compounds also contributes to environmental sustainability goals.
The reduction in weight and absence of galvanic or high-temperature melting processes result in:

• lower energy consumption in production,
• no metal waste or processing sludge,
• possibility of post-industrial and post-consumer recycling.

Furthermore, LATIGLOSS compounds comply with European RoHS and REACH directives, ensuring absence of hazardous substances and end-user safety.

Production Versatility and Ease of Processing

Thanks to their excellent fluidity and thermal stability, LATIGLOSS compounds are easily moldable with standard machinery, without requiring significant mold modifications.
Shrinkage management is simple and predictable, reducing the risk of deformation or production waste.

This versatility makes them ideal not only for taps and valves, but also for pump components, fittings and water distribution systems.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Certified Drinking Water Compounds

1. What does it mean for a compound to be certified for drinking water?
   It means the material has passed international tests (NSF, KTW, ACS, WRAS) that certify its safety for contact with water intended for human consumption.
2. Can drinking water compounds replace metal?
   Yes, in many applications they offer equivalent performance in terms of strength and durability, with the advantage of being lighter and corrosion-resistant.
3. What are the main polymer bases used?
   The most common are PA66 and PPA, reinforced with glass fiber to achieve rigidity and stability even at high temperatures.

Conclusion

Certified drinking water compounds, such as LATIGLOSS, represent the ideal solution for producing resistant, lightweight and safe plumbing components.
Thanks to their international certification and long-term stability, they are a strategic choice for taps, valves and dispensing systems.

Want to develop new solutions for the water sector?
Request a LATI technical consultation to identify the most suitable certified compound for your project and your target market regulations.