Preparation Meets Opportunity: Robin Bresser’s Global Journey to Baystar

We are at a pivotal moment for polyethylene (PE) pipe in North America. With aging infrastructure in urgent need of replacement and utilities looking for durable, sustainable solutions, PE pipe is poised to prove its value on a massive scale.

According to the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), the U.S. EPA estimates that the U.S. needs to invest $1.26 trillion in water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 20 years to ensure safe drinking water and protect waterways. Baystar and Robin Bresser are well prepared for this moment.

For more than 30 years, Robin has been involved in building PE pipe markets, advocating for quality, and laying the groundwork for the next era of PE pipe adoption. It’s been a career of endurance, much like the five Ironman triathlons and 40-plus half-Ironmans’ he has completed. “Triathlon is about patience, persistence, and consistency,” Robin says. “PE Pipe is the same. You have to prove its long-term durability, build confidence one step at the time, and continue showing its value.”

Today, as Marketing Manager – Pipe Solutions for Baystar, Robin is bringing his experience and tenacity to help position the company as a credible PE pipe resin manufacturer with proven Borstar® technology from its newest production bay in Pasadena, Texas.

A Career Built on Global Experience

Born in Germany and a graduate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Robin built his career at Borealis and Borouge, leading pipe marketing and technical service efforts  across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Over more than three decades, he helped introduce PE pipe innovations, expanded markets in developing regions, and held leadership roles in global associations such as the PE100+ Association and the Plastic Pipes Conference Association.

“The growth in Asia was phenomenal, but the real challenge became establishing high-quality products for critical infrastructure applications when speed often outpaced standards,” he says.

The experience of helping to raise quality standards in rapidly developing markets proved formative. “We transferred proven technologies from Europe into Asia at scale. Completely different markets, completely different cultures, but the same principle: demonstrate quality, win trust, and then grow adoption.”

Today, Robin is motivated to contribute to the growth of PE pipe adoption in North America for “PE pipe has been established in the U.S. for as long as in Europe - it’s not a developing market. But when it comes to polyethylene pipe adoption in the water sector, the U.S. and Canada are still developing their potential. That’s what excites me, because I know that Baystar can make a meaningful contribution.”

Advocacy and Industry Leadership

Robin’s influence has extended well beyond company walls. He has served as President of the PE100+ Association (twice), Director of the Plastic Pipes Conference Association, and is an  active member of the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association.

“Advocacy has always been close to my heart,” he says. “It’s not just about what your company achieves, but about advancing the entire industry by improving standards, sharing knowledge, and ensuring quality of the entire pipe system.”

That commitment continues today in his new role as Vice Chair of the Plastics Pipe Institute’s Sustainability Committee, where he brings European “Green Deal” experience and Asian case studies into conversations about the future of PE pipe in North America.

The Scale of the Opportunity

The opportunity for PE pipe in North America is vast. The American Society of Civil Engineers has estimated that U.S. water utilities lose six billion gallons of treated water every day due to aging infrastructure. Much of it still relies on pipe installed 50, 60, or even 70 years ago.

“Thanks to the industry’s relentless efforts, the tipping point seems to have arrived for water projects,” Robin notes. “More utilities and installers are realizing the benefits of PE for durability, corrosion resistance, ease of installation, and a 100-year design life. If you want to reduce water loss, replace lead pipes, and install systems that will last for generations, polyethylene pipe is the best choice.”

Baystar’s role is to contribute proven global technology to that effort. After three years of rigorous qualification, Baystar’s pipe grades produced with Borstar® technology are now ready for the North American market.

Looking Ahead

Just back from the recent Plastic Pipe Conference in Warsaw, Robin is energized by the global momentum around sustainability and product performance. “It was encouraging to see studies from around the world confirming a 100-year design life for plastic pipe. That’s a critical message for our industry as we compete with other materials.”

Robin is quick to credit Baystar’s U.S. pipe sales and technical team for laying much of the groundwork before his arrival, and he’s clearly motivated by what lies ahead. “All of my experience prepared me for this moment, helping Baystar enter a dynamic and challenging PE pipe market. It’s about building a presence, contributing to growth, and helping the industry move forward.”

For Robin, whether competing in triathlons or advancing in the pipe industry, the principle is the same: play the long game, invest in the effort, and trust that endurance pays off.

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