The two firms have launched a pilot scheme aimed at measuring the water footprint in the manufacture of a plastic application.

Borealis and Uponor plan to measure the amount of water needed to equip a typical home with a modern plumbing and underfloor heating system.

The scheme will investigate water usage across the plastics industry value chain from raw materials extraction to a fully installed system at home.

Environmental NGOs and academics are backing the water footprint idea and pilots are also starting in the food and drink industry.

Borealis executive vice-president, Lorenzo Delorenzi, said: “This initiative is part of Borealis and Borouge Water for the World commitment to making a difference to a global challenge.

“We believe such a pioneering partnership can really advance sustainability across the value chain.”

The announcement was made at this week’s World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, by Borealis and Uponor who are also co-founders of the Stockholm Water prize.

This year the prize was awarded to Prof John Anthony Allan for his work on water footprint and virtual water. Borealis and Uponor will be using the professor’s work to measure water footprint.

Uponor communication vice-president, Tarmo Anttila, said: “As part of our environmental approach, Uponor is constantly developing products and processes that help people and industry save resources.

“Water Footprint is an excellent way of turning into action our long-term sponsorship of the Stockholm Water Prize. Understanding our footprint can be a key tool to further guide the development of more water-saving products.”