Plastics Pipe Institute honors industry leaders with lifetime achievement awards
The Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI) has named Steve Sandstrum and Dean Jenne as the most recent recipients of its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing decades of leadership, technical expertise and service to the plastic pipe industry.
Sandstrum brings more than 40 years of experience across the PE, PP and PEX pipe and resin sectors. He began his career as a plant engineer at Phillips Driscopipe and most recently retired from Borealis in early 2025. He now serves as president of Sandstrum Consulting Services LLC. Over his career, Sandstrum has held numerous leadership roles within PPI, including service on its Board of Directors, and played a key role in launching the institute’s Sustainability Committee in 2020. He has also served in leadership positions with ASTM International, where he is currently chairman of ASTM Committee F17 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, according to a press release.
Jenne retired from SACO AEI Polymers at the end of 2025, concluding a career spanning more than three decades in plastic piping materials and standards development. He was an active participant in PPI’s Building & Construction Division for more than 30 years and provided technical leadership on 25 successful PPI research and development projects between 2010 and 2024. Jenne has also served for decades on ASTM and CSA technical committees focused on plastics and pressure piping systems.
“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.
Founded in 1950, PPI represents more than 200 member companies across North America and supports research, standards development and education related to plastic piping systems used in municipal, drainage and stormwater applications.