Global’s rainwater and storage tanks are suitable for rural Australia

Rural properties have a few different needs to urban homes when it comes to rainwater and storage tanks.

Often rural properties have no access to a mains water supply and rely solely on a large storage tank for water that’s safe for drinking and for household usage too. They may also be required to have water in reserve for the rural fire service and need an extra tank with sizing specified by the rural fire service. A rural property may also need a storage tank if it’s a working farm with livestock that needs water or crops that need spraying and fertilising.

What to consider when purchasing a rainwater tank for a rural property

Are you connected to the mains water supply?
If a rainwater tank is to be your primary water supply on a rural property, you’ll need to consider what type of tank can provide the safest drinking water for your family, as well as all the myriad of other uses you’ll need it for.

Concrete vs. Plastic
Traditionally, concrete tanks have been used for drinking water storage because the thickness of the concrete prevents the growth of algae and keeps the water cool and dark away from sunlight. However, installing a concrete tank can be an expensive undertaking. If you already have a concrete tank for drinking water and need a smaller tank, or several smaller tanks, for use around the property or stock water reticulation, then another concrete tank might not fulfil the job requirements.

Pro’s of plastic
These days rotomoulded tanks are perfectly suited for storing drinking water and they’re a lot cheaper and easier to install than concrete ones. They don’t require as much maintenance either! Plus they have increased flexibility around sizing. Rotomoulded tanks come in a range of capacities, such as aboveground tanks of 5,000 litres, all the way up to larger 45,000 litre tanks for containing a family’s annual drinking water.

Features of Global’s plastic tanks

Global’s rotomoulded tanks are constructed from a polyethylene plastic that is suitable for food contact use, i.e., storing drinking water, and are UV protected and mosquito resistant. They have a strong roof for above ground installation and come with a leaf strainer and light guard. They’re Australian made and constructed for Australian conditions.

The beauty of a Global rotomoulded tank is that some sizes can be installed underground if desired, so they’re out of sight and not cluttering your property. This is ideal if you need rainwater tanks for a wide variety of uses across your farm.

Other Global Tanks for Rural Properties

Global’s transportable Bigfoot cartage tanks are built sturdy and strong for rural properties. They come in a range of sizes from 2,000 litres to 15,000 litres and can be used for most liquids and chemicals depending on your intention.

Contact Global tanks today for more information on Bigfoot tanks or to get a better idea of which rural rainwater storage tanks will best suit your property.

Design with Global: Leaders in Innovative Plastic Fabrication

Do you have a project that you’re aiming to get off the ground?

Global Rotomoulding can help you design your product to reap the main benefits of plastic construction. We are experts in custom plastic fabrication, operating out of Irymple, Victoria, and Helidon, Queensland. 

 Polyethylene is:

  • Strong
  • Light
  • Rust and corrosion resistant
  • Consistently uniform
  • Easy to mould

If you think your design could profit from these elements, perhaps Global can help you bring it to life!

Award-winning design

Global are leaders in innovative plastic design and have won several awards for dedication to customer satisfaction. Just last November, Global co-founder Howard Ferry won the ANZ Innovator of the Year Award. The judges provided feedback that reflected upon the processes Global undertakes to work closely with their clients:

“Howard is described by his referees as a very measured, thoughtful and unassuming person who is also technically very clever and commercially savvy. He thinks outside the square to solve problems, and is able to integrate internal and external resources into projects to create very innovative solutions for clients.”

Problem solvers

Global has worked with a wide range of companies including Thales, Booth Transport, FLSmidth and Bell Environmental. They source only the best quality products from trusted companies such as Trymak, Milne Engineering, Matrix Polymers and Mount Barker Products.

Global is dedicated to finding solutions to problems. Recently they worked with Booth Transport to design a solid plastic toolbox to house their pump systems and prevent the water from corroding their ute tray beds.

Previously, Global also worked closely with Trailers 2000 to design a plastic trailer that would be lighter and longer-lasting than a steel trailer. Traditional steel trailers are prone to rust and deteriorate easily in adverse weather. The TuffMate 2000 trailer, made using rotationally-moulded polyethylene, proved to be a significant advancement in trailer design, with its sturdy structure and weather resistance.

See more of our collaborations here.

Custom Designs and turnkey services

At Global, you will receive full service, custom rotomoulding. This means that the Global team will be discussing and improving your product every step of the way, from concept design to delivery. Global provides full product design and mould manufacturing. We test every product for quality and efficiency. Global is dedicated to customer satisfaction and is held in high esteem by both their customers and their local community.

Need custom plastic fabrication for your next big job? Choose Global and be blown away by their commitment to your vision! Contact us today for a quote, or simply a chat on how you can improve your product with plastic.

Discreet Urban Underground Rainwater Tanks

Thinking of installing a rainwater tank but either lack the space in your backyard or wish to keep it out of sight? Global’s urban underground rainwater tanks are designed for you!

We even have urban underground rainwater tanks that will fit under your deck – just mask with a trellis in a matching colour to your house, and you’ll never know it’s there!

Key Features

Our underground and under deck rainwater tanks come in 2000L, 3000L and 5000L. All are moulded in food grade Polyethylene and are easy to manage and install onsite. The underground tanks are FEA structurally approved, so you can rest assured that the soil it is buried in will not cause warping to the plastic walls.

The benefits of an underground or under deck tank

  • Great for anyone lacking space in their backyard or around their house
  • Discreet and does not disrupt the visual consistency of your home
  • A smart decision for those building a house – the placement of the tank can be factored into building plans for optimum spatial consideration
  • Constant access to clean water through water bans applied during droughts
  • Sustainable and environmentally friendly – make the most of our natural resources!
  • A one-off cost for a life of savings, utilising a free resource

What size tank will you need?

  • A few things to consider when judging what size tank you will need include:
  • The size of your roof
  • How many appliances in your home use water
  • The WELS rating of your appliances
  • If you want to use your tank water for indoor or outdoor use, or both
  • How many people are living in your home on a daily basis
  • The level of rainfall common in your area

Here is a quick view of typical season rainfall trends across all zones within Australia:

rainfall australia

Bureau of Meteorology

How to calculate your water usage

If you are still scratching your chin and wanting a more accurate approximation of your water usage, you can use this nifty tool. Tankulator will calculate the size of the tank you need by taking into consideration your current water meter readings as well as information about your household water usage and the rainfall within your area.

How to calculate your roof’s water runoff

Another easy way to calculate the rainwater runoff capable with your existing roof is to follow this simple logic: 1 millimetre of rain on 1 metre squared of roofing will produce 1 litre of water into your tank.

Don’t know how big your roof is in metres squared?

  • An average 3 bedroom house is approximately 150 metres squared
  • An average 4 bedroom house is approximately 200 metres squared
  • An average 5 bedroom house is approximately 300 metres squared

Thinking long term

Underground rainwater tanks can be more expensive to buy and install than above ground tanks. However, their long-term benefits are worth the investment! If you are living in a small space, an underground tank will optimise the area you have and drastically change your water bill in the process. Thinking sustainably in an urban environment is an essential mindset in the contemporary age – get one step ahead and install an underground water tank!

Can’t find the right sized tank for your needs? Contact Global Rotomoulding and chat to our friendly staff about how we can design something to fit your home.

Make the most of your yard space

With summer in the air, now is the perfect time to utilise the space in your backyard and get those flowers and veggies growing! What better way to assist your babies sprouting than with the help of a rainwater tank?

Barely able to swing a cat in your backyard? If you only have a small courtyard or just enough room for your hills hoist, don’t stress! Read on to find out how to optimise the space you do have, however small, to make the most of your yard while the warm weather lasts.

Raised garden beds

If your yard is dominated by concrete slabs, raised garden beds are a great way to grow plants and bring a little life to your home. You can buy one or try your hand at the DIY versions. Raised garden beds are easy to assemble if you know your way around a hammer and can get your hands on some scrap slabs of wood. Give this tutorial a go!

Think vertically

There are several cheerful climbers that can be planted on trellis’. Some popular choices for the Queensland climate include bougainvilleas, the golden trumpet vine and madagascar jasmine. These vines produce gorgeous flowers sure to inject some colour into your backyard!

Get your herb on

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than cooking with your own fresh herbs and spices? Herbs are easy to grow in pot plants, garden beds, or in hanging planters. Herbs such as basil, mint, coriander, lemongrass and tarragon thrive in the Australian summer with the warmer climate and plenty of hydration. Why not try your hand at creating a hanging planter, and save space on the ground for the kids to splash in a play pool or kick a ball.

Invest in a slimline urban rainwater tank

Global Rotomoulding create tanks suited for urban backyards to optimise space without disrupting the visual consistency of your home. Global’s collection of urban tanks range from 550L to 5000L and come in a selection of colours to match your house and fence. Designed specifically for smaller spaces, urban tanks stand upright in slim cylinders and can sit against a wall or fence to free up the rest of your yard for your planting and playing!

Think beneath the surface

Utilise your space even further by installing a rainwater tank underground or under your deck! Global Rotomoulding provide 2000L, 3000L and 5000L plastic underground rainwater tanks for those who want to be efficient but discreet with their water usage.

Maintain the luxury of a garden even in the smallest of yards, and keep it flourishing through water restrictions with an urban tank!

Contact Global Rotomoulding today to discuss your rainwater tank needs in relation to your home!

Water restrictions and rainwater tanks: how they help

In times of water restrictions, often common in Australia, your rainwater tank could be your new best friend. Rainwater tanks ensure a healthy and reliable water supply for a myriad of uses in the household and in the garden. How can a rainwater tank help you? Keep reading to find out more.

On average, a house with a roof area of 100 m2 (approximately 50 per cent of an average house) can collect about 50,000 litres of water a year. Urban households typically have a connection to a mains water supply but a rainwater tank can significantly lower mains water usage. An appropriately sized rainwater tank could supply up to 20% of a household’s water needs, or a larger one could reduce your mains water use by up to 100%.

Benefits of Rainwater Tanks

The major benefit of a rainwater tank is that the more you use it the more you save on your mains water bill.

Rainwater can be collected from most roof types and guttering systems depending on what you’re using it for. If you have a sophisticated system it can be suitable for all domestic uses such as cooking and drinking. If you are going to be drinking it (not usually recommended if supplied water is available) then the system needs to be able to filter and disinfect the water for human consumption.

Some more benefits of using rainwater over mains water are:

  • Alternative drinking supply during water restrictions
  • Able to keep the garden green and healthy
  • Extra water available to: water the lawn, do the laundry and to wash car

Some environmental impacts of using a rainwater tank is that it:

  • Reduces stormwater runoff
  • Reduces local flooding
  • Reduces the need for new dams or desalination plants

Costs of Rainwater Tanks

A rainwater tank will have a one-off upfront cost, as well as ongoing electricity costs if it has a pump system. It will also require regular, simple checks from the homeowner to ensure the water is kept at a good quality.

Choosing a Rainwater Tank

Always choose a rainwater tank that suits your needs. Things to consider when deciding what size tank to get include:

The uses of the rainwater. Can it be maximised to get the most value from your tank?
The average amount of water consumed by different activities. Use the calculator on the Hunter Water website to calculate your annual water consumption.

Your area’s local rainfall pattern. You may need a much bigger tank if you live in an area with highly variable rainfall.
The area of your roof that will be collecting the rainwater. Generally 1mm of rainfall on 1m2 of roof area = 1L of rainwater

Plastic tanks, such as Global Tank’s range of rotomoulded designs, are durable, lightweight and fantastic value for money. We have a range of domestic and agricultural tanks to suit your home’s needs. Keep your tank out of sight by installing it underground or choose from our urban collection, specifically designed to fit stylishly into any garden! Contact us today to find out more!

Rainwater tanks: choosing the right one for your home

If it’s a rainwater tank you’re after then Global Tanks has a fantastic range of water storage tanks. From slimline tanks and underground tanks, to underdeck and traditional round tanks, you’ll find a range of size options available to suit your home.

Installing a rainwater tank not only dramatically cuts your water bill, it can help the environment by reducing stormwater runoff and demand on mains water. Here are some tips on choosing the right rainwater tank for you.

How do you want to use the water?

First consider what the water will be used for. Do you want to water the garden or wash the car? Or do you want to rely on your rainwater tank for household usage such as washing, or flushing the loo.?

The use will directly determine the size of the tank you buy so it’s a good idea to get this clear in your mind first. If you’re just using the water outside then this is the easiest and cheapest option as you won’t need a plumber to install the tank to your mains supply.

What Size Do I Need?

Once you’ve determined how you will use the water then consider the size and shape of your household and garden. There’s no point purchasing a 45,000 litre above ground tank if you don’t have the room for it. You may only have room for an under-deck tank or a narrow space on the side of your house for a slimline tank.

You’ll also need to consider the amount of rainfall your region receives on average during the year and how much your roof will be able to collect. In general 1mm of rainfall on 1m2 of roof area = 1L of rainwater.

Taking into consideration the mains supply.

For gardens and general outdoor usage even a smaller rainwater tank, say a 550 litre or a 1,000 litre above ground tank can noticeably ease the pressure on mains water. It can also be used to provide water in an emergency.

If you are planning to use rainwater to complement mains supply, a larger 5,000 litre tank will provide a good proportion of your water use. But in areas with dry summers, a much larger 10,000 litre tank will be required. If rainwater is your sole source of water, you will need at least a 28,000 litre rainwater tank.

Global Tanks are rotomoulded from polyethylene and suitable for storing drinking water so they’re ideal for this kind of usage. When it comes to choosing the right rainwater tank, our products go the extra mile.  Contact us today to find out more!

Our Howard Ferry named ANZ 2016 Innovator of the Year

 

Global Rotomoulding ANZ innovator of the year

Global Rotomoulding’s very own Howard Ferry received the high accolade of ANZ 2016 Innovator Of The Year on November 11 this year, at the 2016 ANZ Sunraysia Daily Mildura Innovation Awards.

Howard received two awards that resulted in this final acclaimed position – The Fisher Award for Most Innovative Person in Business, and The Hill Award for Most Innovative Product for Global Rotomoulding’s Booth Transport Toolbox.

Global have been commended for their dedication to the collaborative processes they undergo with their clients. The Booth Transport Toolbox was not only innovative but a testament to the lengths that Global Rotomoulding will go to, as a business, to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.

Booth Transport and Global Rotomoulding worked closely together to come up with a solution to the problem Booth Transport were experiencing. Rust and corrosion to their ute tray beds from carrying pump systems had resulted in costly regular replacements for the company. Booth contacted Global in hopes of finding a plastic alternative to hold these pump systems, which would be resistant to water leakage.

Global assessed the problems at hand and underwent a series of technical consultations, experiments and adjustments to come up with the best solution to this issue. The Booth Transport Toolbox is now the star of their trade shows, and gaining more and more interest from other businesses looking for rust-resistant vehicle storage units.

It is uplifting to see this recognition of Global’s dedication to its customers and the innovative services that they provide. Global aren’t afraid to undergo projects that could span years and will put in the time and effort to see a product from concept, all the way through to distribution.

Although Howard travels the world to stay up-to-date with the latest rotomoulding technology, he has great pride in his local community. He was more than a little chuffed to receive this deserving award and celebrate with his family, friends and professionals.

We think the judges feedback on his nomination speaks honestly and is a reflection of the values that he and his brother Lester have built their business around:

“Howard is described by his referees as a very measured, thoughtful and unassuming person who is also technically very clever and commercially savvy. He thinks outside the square to solve problems, and is able to integrate internal and external resources into projects to create very innovative solutions for clients.”

If you’re looking for a trusted, innovative and committed company to design your next project with, you won’t get better service and collaboration than with Global Rotomoulding. Contact us today!

Image courtesy of the Sunraysia Daily. Read the full article here.

How businesses can get involved in the local community

businesses getting involved in the local community

There are many mutual benefits for small businesses and community programs alike, in sponsorship and endorsement endeavours.

When a small business sponsors a community event, program or sports team, it’s obvious that it creates an atmosphere of goodwill surrounding the brand. However, there are many other advantages for both business and community, that aren’t often publicised.

The benefits of supporting the local community

A form of advertising that is actually ingested.
Parents are going to take more notice of the brand on the back of their children’s sports jersey than a billboard flashing by on the morning drive to school drop-off.

Create more opportunities for local families.
Sponsoring a youth sports team is a great way to create opportunities for low-income families to participate in the community. Player participation fees are sometimes expensive and can be the deciding factor between signing a child up for football or not. Sponsoring a local sports team or club can reduce these fees to increase sign-ups and quality of life for youth in the area.

Directly engaging your target audience.
Youth initiatives are a great way to grab the attention of parents, coaches, teachers and community leaders. Placing your logo on the marquee at a soccer sausage sizzle both increases acknowledgement of your product and helps support your sponsored team.

Generating a sense of pride.
Having your company’s name printed on the back of a soccer jersey or the front of a baseball cap can create a sense of pride amongst your staff. Watching your team win a match or receiving a group photo for the office helps to remind your business of the importance of local community. Use sponsorship dollars to send your office to watch a match and harvest this sense of community further.

Setting your business apart from competitors.
Having a genuine investment in the local community is more likely to drive customers to your products rather than competitors who do not support community initiatives.

Sometimes you don’t even need to spend a cent.
Offering a place for team meetings, rehearsals or AGM’s is a great way to get involved in community initiatives. If your business has a large area or hall, why not offer it as a meeting place for local groups? In return, they may provide free advertising or even word-of-mouth referrals.

Global Rotomoulding’s community initiatives.

Here at Global Rotomoulding, we are heavily invested in our local community. We understand the struggles and opportunities that our fellow citizens face, and work to assist them where we can.

We are particularly driven to support local youth sports groups to encourage more of our town’s young people to participate in these clubs and societies.

We believe that giving the young people in our community widespread access to sports increases their quality of life and decreases the risk of them falling into antisocial behaviour, common to small towns when a sense of community is not cultivated.

Global Rotomoulding have supported and provide ongoing sponsorship to:

Laidley Cricket Society
South West Cricket Club
Olympic Park Speedway
Murphy’s Creek Fossil Downs Bush Rodeo

Global have also sponsored programs that are not sports oriented, but continue to develop a sense of community in the local area. These include:

Helidon State school Chaplin Program
Gatton Show Society
Chances for Children run by the Law Firm Irwin and Richards
Make A Wish Foundation through Mallee Family Care
Zoe Single Mums Support Group
Stephanie Alexandra Kitchen Garden Foundation for Henderson College

Over the past 18 years, Global Rotomoulding has solidified their position within the local community by providing ongoing support to community programs and initiatives. Your business too could experience this sense of pride in your local community.

Looking for sponsorship or support for a community event, program or initiative? Contact Global Rotomoulding today!

Rotational Moulding vs Injection Moulding

Moulding with plastic is a cheaper, lighter and more efficient method of manufacturing than many other materials, including steel.

However, there is a big difference between rotational and injection moulding, and we’re here to explain why our method of rotational moulding produces the best results!

rotational moulding vs injection moulding

Injection Moulding

Injection moulding undergoes the process of forcing melted plastic into a mould cavity. Once the plastic is cooled, the mould can be removed from the outside. This technique is commonly used to mass produce objects such as toys and kitchen appliances. The same mould can be reused many times over.

Rotational Moulding

Rotational moulding is a process whereby powdered plastic is placed into a hollow mould. The mould is rotated on all axis within an oven, where the plastic melts to the mould and takes on its shape. It is then allowed to cool using a variety of methods, these cause it to shrink and to come away from the mould surface. Rotational moulding is used for any object that is hollow on the inside (which is way more shapes than people think), and most commonly used to make tanks and containers.

The main advantages of rotational moulding

We also work closely with injection moulders when it makes sense. For example, accessories of the recent box trailer, TuffMate 2000, were injection moulded to keep costs down.

The following is a list of benefits of rotational moulding to product design and fabrication. We’ve included a link at the end for some examples of custom products that really stretch the imagination of what can be designed out of plastic using this method.

Saving costs

The tools needed for rotational moulding are significantly cheaper. Furthermore, often multiple parts can be incorporated into the one mould, which limits part failure and labour to assemble the final product. In injection moulding, all parts need to be made separately and put together to make a hollow product.

Consistent wall thickness

The constant rotation involved in rotomoulding means that achieving consistent wall thickness is easy and possible for every product. This results in superior strength as products will not be buckling in high-stress places such as corners and joints due to thin plastic coatings. In injection moulding, the many different parts that are needed to make a product means decreased likelihood of wall consistency.

Bespoke products

Injection moulding is often used to mass produce products. Rotational moulding is more flexible and cost-effective when tailoring specific products to suit clients’ needs. Because tools are relatively inexpensive (once the design has been finalised) there’s no need to order in vast quantities to get your money’s worth.

Reduced lead times

When using injection moulding, it can take up to six months to get your product from the design to sale stage. With rotational moulding, production times are generally much quicker. Furthermore, due to the fact that rotational moulding uses cheaper tools, there is more flexibility in trialling different moulds to make sure you get exactly the product you’re looking for.

To see some examples of rotational moulding in action, visit our custom rotomoulding portfolio page.

At Global Rotomoulding we are always open to new, innovative design ideas and work closely with our clients to create products which challenge the traditional view of plastic use. Contact us today to discuss your product ideas!

Foam-Filled Rotational Moulded Products for Added Strength

 

img_3973

Many of our roto-moulded products are typically hollow on the inside.

This has many benefits including easy movability, sturdiness without unnecessary heaviness and much cheaper production costs. It also means that they can be filled to increase structural integrity and strength. The even better news is that this can be achieved without adding unmanageable weight to the overall product.

Foam: the wonder filler

Foam is an excellent filler for hollowed plastic products. It provides rigidity without drastically increasing the weight, like other fillers such as water.

The light weight-bearer

Foam is the ideal filler for bases bearing products that are heavy, such as fertiliser or aquaculture tanks. Foam will make the base sturdier and increase its lifespan, by preventing warping or buckling under the weight of the tank’s contents.

Cushioning

Foam will also increase the impact resistance of the product. Any grinding, buffering or knocking of the product will be countered by the resilience of the foam filling, which prevents the plastic from cracking at the impact point.

Buoyancy

Because foam is so light, it is also ideal for products that are required to float. Boat parts such as the seats in kayaks are often filled with foam to increase buoyancy. It’s also an advantage in motorised boats to minimise vibration.

Thermal insulation

Foam is often used as a thermal insulator in pipes so that very cold or very hot water running through the pipes is not affected by adverse weather conditions outside. It is used in houses to regulate temperature and decrease energy consumption used in running air conditioning.

Global’s in-house foaming machine

The exciting news is that Global has it’s very own foaming machine – the Reactor E-30! And it is waiting to be utilised for your next big project!

Designing a product that needs to be light, but sturdy? Global can help you out! Speak to our experts today to see if a foam insert is appropriate for your product. For more information on how we can assist you with your next project, visit our Custom Rotomoulding page or contact us today!