Interview with Zoran Davidovski: Tackling Water Loss Through Innovation and Collaboration
In recognition of World Water Loss Day, we spoke with Zoran Davidovski, a leading voice in the plastic pipe industry and a driving force behind sustainable infrastructure solutions. He works currently as a Head of R&D and Sustainability at Pipelife, a solution brand of wienerberger. With decades of experience in advancing pipeline technologies and industry standards, Zoran shares his insights on how we can collectively reduce water loss and build a more sustainable infrastructure.
1. Water loss remains a critical global issue. From your perspective, what are the most effective strategies to address it through pipeline infrastructure?
Water loss is often a result of aging infrastructure including old generation pipe materials, poor installation practices, and lack of monitoring. The most effective strategies involve a combination of smart leak detection technologies, high-quality pipe materials, and preventive maintenance programs. Investing in modern, durable piping systems and integrating digital monitoring tools can significantly reduce non-revenue water and improve overall network efficiency.
2. Pipelife has set ambitious sustainability goals. How do these goals translate into tangible actions within the plastic pipe industry?wienerberger’s sustainability roadmap emphasizes among others decarbonization, circularity, and resource efficiency. Pipelife, a leading international manufacturer and supplier of plastic piping systems for infrastructure, buildings, and agriculture, is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and active in 24 countries.
For Pipelife, these goals translate into increasing the use of recycled materials, optimizing production processes to reduce emissions, and designing products for long-term performance and recyclability. We’re also working closely with partners to ensure that sustainability is embedded across the entire value chain—from raw material sourcing to end-of-life solutions.
Circular polyolefin solutions are a game-changer. They allow us to reuse high-quality plastic waste in new pipe systems without compromising durability or safety. These solutions support the transition to a circular economy, reduce dependency on virgin materials, and help meet both regulatory and corporate sustainability targets. The key is ensuring that recycled content meets strict performance criteria, which we achieve through rigorous testing and certification.
4. Collaboration across the value chain is often cited as essential. What does effective collaboration look like in the context of water infrastructure?Effective collaboration means open communication, shared goals, and joint innovation. Installers, utilities, manufacturers, regulators, property developers, and technology providers must work together to develop solutions that are not only technically sound but also economically viable and environmentally responsible. This includes harmonizing standards, sharing data, and co-developing pilot projects that demonstrate real-world impact.
5. Pipe associations and standardization bodies play a vital role in shaping the industry. Why is their work so important, especially in the fight against water loss?Associations and standardization bodies ensure that products and practices meet consistent, high-quality benchmarks. Their work fosters trust, interoperability, and continuous improvement across the industry. In the context of water loss, they help define the parameters for leak-proof systems, promote best practices, and support innovation through research and advocacy. Without these frameworks, progress
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