MUELLER EUROPE LTD
136 OXFORD STREET
BILSTON
WEST MIDLANDS WV14 7DS
Tel: 01902 499700
Fax:
Suppliers of: Copper Tube, Plastic Covered Copper Tube, Plastic Coated Copper Tube, Gas Pipes, Copper Pipes, Copper Piping
Mueller Europe is UK’s leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high-performance copper tubes and coils! Our Wednesbury and Yorkshire brands are perfect for a wide range of applications including plumbing, heating, and industrial needs, complemented by our premium Mueller brand for air-conditioning and refrigeration. The reputable brands are made from start to finish in Great Britain. From our European headquarters in West Midlands, we operate the continent’s most modern, sophisticated and sustainable plant in Europe. As part of the larger Mueller Industries Inc., Mueller Europe combines decades of expertise with advanced technology to produce copper tubes and coils that meet the highest industry standards.
Copper Sustainability Partnership
By focusing on sustainability, innovation, quality, and education, Mueller Europe continues to lead in the copper tube manufacturing sector, ensuring that its products not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Through its work with CUSP, Mueller Europe participates in educational and advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting the advantages of copper. This includes engaging with various industry stakeholders, from engineers and architects to consumers, to demonstrate the material’s benefits and versatility. Such initiatives help create a greater understanding and appreciation of copper. Copper is 100% recyclable.
We are also committed to sustainability, implementing environmentally friendly practices in our manufacturing processes. By reducing waste and optimizing resource use, Mueller Europe minimizes its environmental impact while delivering superior premium copper tubes and coils.
Approvals and Certifications:
We take immense pride in our commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our dedication is recognized through numerous prestigious national and international approvals, setting us apart as leaders in the copper tube industry. Each tube undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee performance and longevity, providing customers with peace of mind.
Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper Tube holds many national and international approvals for copper tube, including:
- UK Kitemark approvals for plumbing tube and medical gas tubes;
- European CE mark;
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management system;
- plus, the approvals for China, Ireland, Malaysia and the Netherlands.
Copper tubes are manufactured to European specification EN1057 and supplied in 3 different tempers:
- Half-hard (R250) straight lengths
- Hard (R290) straight lengths
- Soft (R220) coils
Wednesbury Copper Tube
Wednesbury’s copper tubes are renowned for their outstanding performance and value, catering to a wide range of needs, whether residential, medical, or industrial. Made in Great Britain and from high-quality copper, these tubes are resilient against corrosion and wear, ensuring a long-lasting performance that stands the test of time.
These versatile tubes are ideal for transporting hot and cold water, central heating systems, and sanitary uses. Wednesbury Copper Tubes are the preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, designed to withstand the rigorous demands of residential and commercial projects alike.
The diverse product lines include the durable plumbing tubes of Table X, the sturdy industrial tubes of Table Y, and the specialized options of Table W. Each product is engineered to meet strict quality standards, ensuring suitability for specific applications.
Table X - Black Label
Available in a variety of tube sizes, ensuring suitability for diverse applications Wednesbury Copper Tube has got you covered. The available sizes include 15mm outer diameter through to 159mm and lengths in 2, 3, 6 and 5.8 metres. These sizes cater to both residential and commercial installations, providing flexibility and adaptability for any project requirements. The finishes include plain copper, Protec yellow PVC coated, Protec white PVC coated, Medical gas and Chrome plated finish.
Table Y – White Label
Available in a range of diameters from 15mm to 108mm and each tube comes in a convenient length of 5.8 metres, providing ample coverage for various installation requirements. It offers several finishes to meet different applications including plain Copper, Protec White PVC coated and Medical gas copper tubes. The PVC coated copper tube finish offers added protection and durability, with the white PVC coating blending seamlessly with modern interiors. The medical gas copper tubes are specifically designed for medical and healthcare facilities, this variant ensures the safe and efficient transport of medical gases. It adheres to strict hygiene and safety standards, making it suitable for critical applications. Soft temper coils are also available from 15mm to 28mm
Table W – Blue Label
These Microbore copper coils are available in a variety of sizes to suit your specific requirements, ranging from 6mm to 10mm. Engineered to stand the test of time these coils offer multiple coating options to match any design preference or requirement. The coils are available in plain copper, Protec white PVC coated, Protec yellow PVC coated and Protec 2000.
Yorkshire Copper Tube
Yorkshire Copper Tube offers an extensive range of copper tube and coils, designed to meet the diverse needs of the industries it works in. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different installation requirements. The brand’s longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing market demands while maintaining its core values of quality and service.
The Yorkex range of Yorkshire Copper Tubes offers versatile and high-quality copper tubing solutions suitable for a variety of applications. Made in Great Britain, Yorkshire Copper Tube is known for its durability, reliability, and ease of installation, these tubes are a popular choice for both domestic and industrial use. Available in different sizes, from 15mm to 159mm and finishes including, plain copper, Kuterlex yellow, white and green, Chrome and medical gas, the Yorkex range meets diverse needs while maintaining exceptional performance standards.Yorkex Yellow Copper Tubes are specially designed for gas applications, easily identifiable by their distinctive yellow finish. This colouring ensures safety and compliance with industry standards, making them an excellent choice for installations where gas is involved.
With a wall thickness significantly greater than that of Yorkex, Kuterlon offers the option of a higher- pressure rating. Kuterlon is supplied both in straight length and coil form and, when supplied with a Kuterlex coating, it is the ideal product for underground applications. Available from 15mm to 108mm and in plain copper and medical gas copper tube and 15mm to 28mm in coils, Yorkshire has you covered. The Kuterlon coils are available in a yellow and white PVC coated finish. The extra wall thickness also allows Kuterlon to be used on certain pressurised steam installations with a maximum working temperature of 205°C.
The Minibore Coils Range is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various installation requirements designed to meet the specific needs of modern plumbing and heating systems. Available in sizes and lengths from, 6mm to 10mm diameter and a variety of finishes including Kuterlex white and yellow PVC coated and plain copper.
Further Yorkshire product information
Medical Gas - CLEANED TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF BS EN 13348 AND HTM 02-01
Yorkshire Medical Gas Tubes are specially cleaned and packed to ensure they are suitable for medical gases and/or vacuum lines. In oxygen lines, spontaneous combustion can take place with any greases or hydrocarbon in the tube, and the cleaning process eliminates this risk. Additionally, the cleaning takes away malodours from any residual lubricants that may taint breathable gases.
Kuterlex - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex is copper tube coated with a seamless plastic cover which protects the copper tube against aggressive materials. The Kuterlex cover eliminates time-consuming wrapping operations. It is also colour coded to identify the services carried in accordance with UK local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Kuterlex Plus - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex is copper tube coated with a seamless plastics cover, comprising a ribbed inner profile, which protects the copper tube against aggressive materials. The Kuterlex cover eliminates time-consuming wrapping operations. It is also colour coded to identify the services carried in accordance with UK local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Kuterlex Gas - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex Gas products are copper coils and straight lengths coated with a protective yellow seamless plastic cover which safeguards against external corrosion and provides service identification. The Kuterlex plastic cover eliminates laborious wrapping operations and is colour coded to identify the services carried as gasses in accordance with local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Further Technical information is available to download from the BPi Download Library or from the manufacturer’s own website.
Copper pipes and heat pumps, a sustainable duo
Copper pipes and heat pumps, a sustainable duo
As the UK accelerates toward a net-zero future, the conversation around heating homes is undergoing a seismic shift.
With the Future Homes Standard (FHS) set to take effect in 2025 and the Home Energy Model (HEM) redefining how energy efficiency is measured, low-carbon technologies like heat pumps are rapidly becoming central to residential construction and retrofit strategies.
The Copper Sustainability Partnership highlights the importance of integrating copper in heating systems to meet and exceed performance metrics. Its durability and compatibility with various technologies provide unparalleled versatility, ensuring that developers can adapt to future updates in legislation or energy models without significant overhauls.
Benefits of copper in heat pump installations
Heat pumps represent the frontline of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy. Their efficiency, safety, and performance are only as strong as the infrastructure that supports them. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from the air, ground, or water into a building, offering a highly efficient alternative to traditional heating methods. That’s where copper’s superior thermal conductivity and durability under pressure make it the material of choice for modern heating systems.
Unlike plastic pipes, copper enables rapid and efficient heat transfer, ensuring that heat pumps operate at peak performance, even in high-demand or colder environments. Withstanding higher pressures and temperatures with ease, copper provides the mechanical resilience needed for safer systems.
Crucially, copper eliminates fire risks associated with plastic pipes. The Plastic Under Fire campaign reveals that plastic pipe materials can ignite at temperatures as low as 210°C, releasing highly toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride gas, which pose serious health risks and complicate fire safety in buildings. Copper is non-combustible, does not emit toxic smoke and maintains its structural integrity even in extreme heat conditions.
Toxic fumes released from burning plastic are a major contributor to fire-related fatalities, accounting for approximately 60-70% of deaths in building fire incidents. Using copper piping dramatically reduces these risks, helping to safeguard occupants and improve fire safety compliance in both residential and commercial heat pump installations.
With the UK seeing a 63% increase in hydronic heat pump sales in 2024 and aiming for 600,000 annual installations by 2028, the infrastructure supporting these systems is under intense scrutiny. Heat pumps supported by copper piping are not just a choice, they’re a necessity for achieving long-term reliability and efficiency.
The UK’s Future Homes Standard and Home Energy Model are shaping the regulatory framework for heating solutions. By 2025, all new homes will need to comply with stringent standards focused on thermal efficiency, emissions, and overall energy usage. Copper systems seamlessly align with these goals, offering developers and contractors a proven pathway to compliance.
Copper’s ability to handle high pressures and temperatures ensures that heat pumps maintain peak performance under the most demanding conditions. This resilience also reduces the need for frequent maintenance, ensuring systems remain cost-effective and efficient over their lifetime.
Sustainable advantage in the industry
Copper’s role in sustainability extends beyond its performance in heating systems. As an infinitely recyclable material, copper supports circular economy principles, reducing waste and embodied carbon in the construction sector. It’s estimated that around two-thirds of the 550 million tonnes of copper produced since 1900 are still in use today.
Additionally, copper’s long service life reduces the need for replacement, aligning with sustainable building practices. Its natural antimicrobial properties further enhance its appeal in residential and commercial heating systems, promoting healthier living environments.
Research demonstrates that copper installations offer exceptional durability, with a lifespan well over 50 years. This longevity makes copper a cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice for developers and homeowners alike.
The UK’s transition to heat pumps is well underway, with major housing developments and retrofit projects showcasing the effectiveness of copper systems. From large-scale social housing projects in urban areas to bespoke rural homes, copper is enabling high-efficiency, low-carbon heating solutions across diverse settings.
For developers, contractors, and specifiers navigating the changing regulatory landscape, building future-ready homes requires future-ready materials. When it comes to integrating heat pumps into high-performance heating systems, copper delivers on every front. Its combination of technical superiority, environmental sustainability, and regulatory alignment ensures that copper will remain indispensable as the UK transitions to a greener, more efficient housing stock.
By prioritising copper in heat pump systems, stakeholders can meet the demands of today while anticipating the challenges of tomorrow, delivering homes that are not only compliant but also resilient and sustainable for generations to come.
World Earth Day 2025: The Role of Copper in a Sustainable Future
World Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22nd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and inspiring action towards a sustainable future. As we approach World Earth Day 2025, the focus on renewable energy and sustainable materials has never been more critical. Copper, a material often overlooked in conversations about sustainability, plays a vital role in reducing environmental impact, particularly in plumbing systems.
This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting sustainable practices across industries. Copper aligns perfectly with these goals due to its recyclability, durability, and minimal environmental footprint.
Copper’s Role in Sustainable Plumbing
When considering plumbing materials, copper stands out as a sustainable alternative to plastic pipes. Unlike plastic, which is derived from fossil fuels and contributes to pollution, copper is a natural material that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality or performance. Recycling copper consumes significantly less energy than producing new material, making it an eco-friendly choice for modern construction projects.
Copper’s longevity also sets it apart from plastic pipes. While plastic pipes may degrade over time and require replacement, copper pipes can last for decades, reducing waste and the need for frequent manufacturing. This durability directly supports the principles of sustainability by minimising resource consumption over the long term.
For those interested in learning more about copper’s environmental benefits, our sustainability section provides detailed insights into how copper contributes to greener construction practices and the issues with plastics.
Health and Performance Benefits of Copper
Beyond its environmental advantages, copper offers significant health benefits compared to plastic pipes. Copper is naturally antimicrobial, which means it deters the growth of harmful bacteria within plumbing systems. This property ensures safer drinking water and reduces risks associated with bacterial contamination, a critical consideration for households prioritising health and wellbeing.
Plastic pipes, on the other hand, can leach chemicals into the water over time, posing potential health risks. By choosing copper plumbing systems, homeowners not only contribute to sustainability but also ensure cleaner water for their families.
Additionally, copper’s performance characteristics make it an ideal choice for plumbing applications. It is highly resistant to corrosion and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures without deforming or cracking. These qualities ensure reliable performance over time while reducing maintenance needs, a win-win for both consumers and the environment.
Copper Recycling: A Circular Economy Solution
One of the most compelling aspects of copper is its ability to be recycled endlessly. The recycling process for copper requires less energy than mining new material and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This makes copper an essential component of a circular economy, a system designed to eliminate waste by continually reusing resources.
Choosing copper for plumbing systems supports this circular model by ensuring that old pipes can be melted down and repurposed into new products without any loss in quality or functionality. This reduces dependence on virgin materials while conserving energy and reducing landfill waste.
Supporting Earth Day Goals Through Material Choices
The theme of World Earth Day 2025 encourages individuals and industries to embrace renewable energy and sustainable materials as part of their commitment to protecting the planet. Copper is integral to this mission, not only in plumbing but also in renewable energy systems like solar panels and wind turbines where its excellent conductivity is indispensable.
By opting for copper pipes instead of plastic ones during renovations or construction projects, individuals can actively reduce their carbon footprint while supporting the broader goals of Earth Day. Every choice matters when it comes to building a cleaner future, starting with the materials we use every day.
As we prepare to celebrate World Earth Day this year, consider how your decisions can make a difference. Whether it’s choosing sustainable materials like copper or advocating for eco-friendly practices within your community, every effort counts towards creating a healthier planet for generations to come.
