The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI), the major North American trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry, announced Steve Sandstrum and Dean Jenne as the latest recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and long-term commitment to advancing the plastic piping industry. Both Sandstrum and Jenne have served the association in voluntary leadership roles for several decades.
Steve Sandstrum: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
With more than 40 years of experience in the PE, PP, and PEX pipe and resin industries, Steve Sandstrum has played a key role in shaping the future of plastic piping.
Sandstrum began his career as a plant engineer at Phillips Driscopipe in Williamstown, Kentucky. He most recently retired from Borealis earlier in 2025 and now serves as president of Sandstrum Consulting Services LLC.
His leadership and service include the following:
- Service on the PPI Board of Directors, including roles as chair and division chair
- President of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) and member of its board
- A pivotal role in launching the PPI Sustainability Committee in 2020
- Contributions to numerous PPI task groups and committees
- Service on the ASTM International Board of Directors
- Current chair of the ASTM F17 Committee on Plastic Piping Systems
“Steve’s technical contributions, leadership, and mentorship have left a lasting impact on the industry and its standards,” said PPI President David M. Fink when presenting the award at the association’s semiannual meeting in October 2025.
Dean Jenne: A Career of Dedication and Technical Excellence
Dean Jenne retired from SACO AEI Polymers at the end of 2025, concluding a career spanning more than three decades in the plastic piping industry.
His professional experience includes work at Bow Plastics from 1992 to 1996, a manufacturer of CPVC and PEX products, followed by a 20-year tenure at SACO AEI Polymers from 2005 to 2025, a leading producer of PEX compounds.
Jenne’s contributions include the following:
- More than 30 years of active involvement in PPI’s Building & Construction Division, particularly the Hydronic Technical Division
- Service on the Building & Construction Division Management Committee from 2012 to 2014
- Technical leadership on 25 successful BCD research and development projects between 2010 and 2024
- Longstanding membership on ASTM Technical Committees D20 (Plastics), E05 (Fire Standards), and F17 (Plastic Piping Systems) since approximately 1994
- More than 25 years of service on the CSA B137 Plastic Pressure Piping Technical Committee, including as chair from 1996 to 1998
“Dean’s deep technical knowledge, collaborative spirit, and dedication to standards development have made him a respected leader and mentor across the industry,” Fink said.
“Steve and Dean exemplify the values and vision of PPI,” Fink added. “Their contributions have not only advanced our industry but have also inspired generations of professionals. We are honored to recognize their achievements with this award.”
