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!

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!

How Rotational Moulding Builds Strong Plastic Products

powdered plastic

Want to know why plastic is the perfect material for heavy duty rotationally moulded products? We take a closer look.

Here at Global Rotomoulding, we pride ourselves on our top-of-the-range moulds, innovative designs and strong plastic products. We have chosen to use polyethylene for a number of reasons. Find out why it’s ideal for mining, agriculture and transportation accessories below.

Polyethylene: the facts

Easy to mould

Polyethylene is a plastic with the ability to withstand high temperatures over a prolonged period, maintaining its stability while being moulded into the desired shape.

Consistently uniform

Its consistency means that uniform thickness is assured, an important feature of our products.

Strong and reliable

At Global Rotomoulding we use low-density polyethylene, as it’s stiff, strong and stress crack resistant. We focus across the board to make sure our strong plastic products can handle the requirements of any agricultural or industrial job.

Food Grade

Our products have a wide variety of uses. Our transportable tanks, in particular, can store anything from grain to diesel. We make sure that our plastic is food grade and can hygienically store feed for your cattle while also maintaining hazardous chemicals. All of our tanks are even colour coded according to appropriate usage.

UV resistant

Our products are produced with longevity and durability in mind. This is why all of our plastics are UV resistant and made to withstand the Australian summer outdoors.

Rust and corrosion resistant

One of the main advantages of utilising plastic over steel is that all of our products are still sturdy, but will not rust. Plastic is better suited to survive the harsh Australian climate and weather.

Light

Because our plastic is low-density, it is also light. This is especially convenient in our range of rural vehicle accessories as it means the majority of the weight in the ute bed can be used for tools rather than the actual toolbox.

Weighted

Because our products are lightweight, we build in features that allow them to be weighed down when needed. As such, products like our ballast trough can be moved around a paddock easily, but weighed down once situated to stop weather and cattle from pushing it over.

Double Walled

Weighing our products is achieved through their double-wall mould. The inner and outer skin in the ballast trough can be filled with water to stabilise it. The double walling also provides increased durability by placing less pressure on particular points, minimising cracking.

Sound like plastic rotomoulding is the perfect solution for your needs? Contact Global now to discuss innovative ideas, existing products and how we can help you get the most out of your equipment!

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Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks

Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane

At Global Rotomoulding, we believe that rotational moulded plastic is infinitely better than wood, metal, or concrete.

 And, we’re not just saying that because we use plastic every day in our workshop — it’s been scientifically proven!

Here are 3 research-backed reasons that prove that plastic and rotational moulding are the best tools for custom product design:

1. More flexibility

One of the main advantages of rotational moulding with plastic is the design flexibility. The process allows for complex shapes that are very difficult to make with other materials. It also allows for products with a variable wall thickness without retooling (something which can not be achieved with other processes like injection moulding).

Unique properties

Plastic itself is also a very flexible material. It can be used to achieve a wide variety of products for a wide range of industries. For example, you can use it to design products like flexible office folders, drinking straws, garden hoses, bendable pipes, squeezy tubes and bottles, bendy rulers, flexible storage baskets, and more!

In fact, you can even 3D print flexible plastic products. “The specificity of the material allows you to create objects that are very flexible but strong at the same time,” says expert Arthur Cassaignau.

Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane
Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane

2. Better for the environment

Okay, we know what you’re thinking. “How could plastic be better for the environment? It’s made from synthetic materials that are derived from fossil fuels”.

The answer? Plastic can do more for less.

For example, mining metal ores is very energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Deforestation is also one of the most destructive activities on the planet, with a huge impact on plant and animal species. And, don’t even get us started on the greenhouse gas emissions generated during the production and transport of concrete!

Scientific breakthroughs

Plastic is lightweight, recyclable, and becoming more and more sustainable as researchers develop new ways to produce it using renewable resources, like corn, methane, and bacteria. According to Du Pont, “Scientific breakthroughs have made the promise of carbon neutrality, renewability, and independence from petroleum a real possibility.”

In other words, custom designed plastic products are the way of the future! Some examples of custom plastic products that are making waves in the sustainable design field include:

Global rotomoulding is leading the way

Global Rotomoulding is doing their part for the environment too. No chemicals, gases or dangerous toxins are released into the atmosphere during our rotational moulding process, and there is no material wastage. We are also proud to have a low carbon footprint and to be custom designing rotational moulding products which are 100% recyclable.

Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane
Plastic Is Better: Exploring Custom Rotational Moulding Product Design | Global Tanks | Brisbane

3. Super resistant to bacteria and fungi

Plastic products are also easy to clean and incredibly fungi resistant. This is because the “closely interconnected molecules are too large for microbes to get their biters around, never mind digest”. As a result, custom rotational moulded products like our septic tanks, water tanks, and livestock feeders have a longer lifespan and are easy to maintain.

 Are you interested designing custom rotational plastic products? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products

At Global Rotomoulding we’re passionate about designing custom rotational moulded products that make people’s lives easier, safer, and more productive.

 From military fuel tanks to agricultural crop sprayers, water tanks, and innovative baffle solutions, we take a look at 7 unique products that are having a significant impact on the world:

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

1. Fire Truck Water Tanks

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

One of the most useful custom rotational moulding projects we’ve ever designed is a tank for the Country Fire Authority. Made in collaboration with Thales and Bell Environmental, the new tanks are more cost effective, easier to mass produce, and a lot lighter than the old metal tanks that were previously used. We love knowing that our products are helping to save lives!

2. The Quantum Mist Fan Cowl

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

Made in collaboration with Trymak and Croplands Equipment, the Quantum Mist Fan Cowl was designed to improve spray coverage and crop protection on Australian farms. Our custom rotational moulding design is lightweight, UV stabilised for the harsh Australian sun, and easier to transport. In other words, it’s a must-have product for hard working Aussie farmers!

3. Mud Guards and Fuel Tanks for Hawkei

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

Constantly challenged by explosive devices, mines, and small arms ambushes, the Hawkei is a highly mobile vehicle for Australian military operations. In collaboration with Thales, we designed custom rotational moulding mud guards and impact-resistant fuel tanks for the Hawkei that would be capable of traveling through all terrains. Our designs ensure maximum storage, decrease the overall weight of the vehicle, and increase cost-efficiency.

4. Baffle Bones for Liquid Surge Control

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

Though it may not be one of our biggest custom rotational moulding projects, the Baffle Bone design was certainly one of our best! Baffles bones are an innovative solution for controlling liquid surges in tanks. They are more durable, food-grade safe, substantially lighter than other liquid stabilisation products on the market today, and don’t require any extra assembly time. We love them so much, we’ve even included them as an optional extra in all of our transportable tanks.

5. The AquaPro

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

Developed in collaboration with Vinidex and Trymak, the AquaPro is a commercial, underground water storage system with a large capacity — over 1 million litres in fact! Similar to a puzzle, we custom designed the AquaPro to be modular. With rotational moulded components that seamlessly fit together, the tank can be arranged in multiple configurations so that the tooling expenses are minimised and the system can be easily installed in hard-to-reach locations.

6. Thales Front End Back Hoe Loader

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

The front end backhoe loader is a high-speed military engineering vehicle designed to dig combat emplacements, trenches, firing positions, fill ditches and clear obstacles. We worked with Thales to custom rotational mould fuel tanks and mud guards for this high-performing, all-terrain army vehicle. Our designs decrease the overall weight of the vehicle and ensure maximum storage.

7. Ludowici Exciter Guard

Designing Custom Rotational Moulded Products | Global Tanks | Brisbane

Custom designed for the mining industry, the Ludowici Exciter Guard is a product that acts as a protective cover for a series of large rotating masses. Developed in collaboration with Trymak and Ludowici engineers, the guard went through High Frequency Vibration Testing and FEA testing to ensure that it could withstand the requirements and harsh conditions of the mining industry.

 Are you interested in designing a custom rotational moulded product? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks, or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

Benefits of Rotomoulded Septic Tanks

In case you haven’t heard yet, we recently announced the release of our new septic tank range, UbiAqua, and we are very excited about it!

From their innovative design to their light weight structure, and strong rotomoulding build, here are 4 reasons why we think plumbers will love our new septic tank range too!

Global’s full range of hiqh-quality and easy-to-install wastewater treatment systems and septic tanks available at UbiAqua. Visit now and see for yourself.

1. They take less time to install

Depending on the plumbing company you decide to work with, traditional concrete and metal septic tanks typically take around 3-7 days to install with extensive digging and land excavation. Because of their heavy weight, they also usually require some form of heavy lifting equipment or machinery.

In contrast, Global’s new septic tank range is lightweight and easy to install. The septic tanks come with moulded-in lifting lugs to make the installation process as easy as possible, and they arrive on your doorstep completely assembled and ready to connect to the sewer/disposal area — no extra steps needed!

2. Fewer tools are required

Because our new septic tanks are delivered completely assembled (with a factory-fitted baffle), plumbers will need little to no extra tools to connect our tanks to the sewer. In other words, a job which once would have required lots of tools, time, and patience, now only requires the bare minimum. We love simplicity!

3. They don’t crack when you are installing them

One of the most common complaints we hear from plumbers about plastic tanks is that they are too delicate and easy to damage if care is not taken (especially during transportation or while they are being installed). Global’s new tank range eliminates this issue via rotomoulding, a process which strengthens the tank’s structure and offers greater durability.

Our septic tanks are manufactured using premium, UV stabilised, high-strength polyethylene. And, the rotomoulding process dictates that they are made from one solid piece of plastic instead of welding or bolting together various components.

As a result, our new septic tank range is more impact resistant and less prone to cracking during installation.

4. They are easy to maintain and clean

Septic tanks regularly require cleaning, pumping out, and routine maintenance. Thankfully, our septic tanks are a lot easier to look after than concrete or metal tanks. They are rust and corrosion resistant, which means that they have a longer lifespan and a lower risk of leakage. And, they can withstand harsh chemicals and hazardous materials, which means that your plumber will never have to worry about damaging your septic tank during the cleaning process.

Are you interested in purchasing a septic tank? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you.

Want to become a Global Tanks distributor? Head this way!

Rotomoulding Innovations: Fan Cowl

In this case study, we take a look at the development process of the Fan Cowl and walk you through some of the benefits of using rotomoulded products in the agricultural industry.

 At Global Rotomoulding, we’re passionate about developing innovative products that meet our client’s expectations. And the Quantum Mist Fan Cowl is no exception!

What is the Quantum Mist Fan Cowl?

Made in collaboration with Trymak and Croplands Equipment, the Quantum Mist Fan Cowl was designed to improve spray coverage and crop protection on Australian farms. The fans are fitted to a tractor drawn spraying trailer with rotomoulded tanks and give farmers the ability to spray multiple rows of crops at once.

Innovative Design

When Croplands and Trymak approached us to help them develop this project, they were looking for a product that would set a new benchmark for quality and functionality in the agricultural industry. They provided us with a comprehensive brief and asked us to develop an innovative product which would meet the functional requirements of the end user.

Some of the non-negotiable requirements for the Fan Cowl were:

  • Easy assembly
  • Minimum number of parts
  • Low part cost
  • Safe to operate
  • Will not damage crops
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Tough rotomoulded cowl
  • Fully adjustable clamping system
Rotomoulding Innovations: Fan Cowl

Rotomoulding Innovations: Fan Cowl

Custom Solutions

During the development phase of the Fan Cowl, we had to overcome many practical design hurdles. For example, for the fan to work efficiently it relies on a tight dimensional tolerance between the inner wall of the cowl and the fan blade. This was a big problem for us because the temperatures in Mildura — where our Victorian offices are located — can fluctuate by up to 25° in a single day, making it incredibly difficult to assemble the parts together without variations.

To overcome this problem, we came up with an innovative solution! We removed all of the parts from the tools at a certain temperature to ensure consistent sizing, and then placed them in an assembly jig. We also made the decision to put some of the parts together during the final stages of the cooling process to guarantee that the individual moldings would fit together.

Rotomoulding Technology

As a result, the end user is presented with a product that offers improved efficiency and outstanding performance. Some other benefits of using rotomoulding technology in the agricultural industry include:

  • Greater durability and no weld lines
  • UV stabilised for the harsh Australian conditions
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • No rust, corrosion or weak joints
  • Environmentally-friendly plastic

 Global Rotomoulding are experts at developing custom-made moulds and innovative rotomoulded products. If you’re interested in producing rotomoulded components, send us an enquiry or give us a call today: 1800 666 333.

 Photo Credit | Croplands

Types of Products That Can Be Rotomoulded

Rotomoulding, or rotational moulding, is a method of manufacturing plastic products that are hollow.

The process is best known in the tank industry, but many manufacturers are also using the technology to make plastic products for a range of other industries. We take a look at some of the most innovative products that can be made through rotomoulding:

Medical products

A significant number of technological advancements have been made in the healthcare industry recently. There are many types of medical products which require hollow plastic parts, and rotomoulding offers a safe and reliable method for producing them. For example, the smaller components of complex medical devices, like surgical instruments and containers for dialysis machines, can be made through rotomoulding. Massage balls, foot baths, anatomical reproductions, storage for emergency equipment, wheelchair parts, and therapeutic aids can also be made with rotomoulding.

Furniture and home decor

New trends in the furniture and homewares industry are emerging as designers discover that molten plastic gives them the ability to create shapes and designs which simply could not be made with any other material. Rotomoulding also allows for the large-scale production of goods and homewares at a cheaper price. Some examples of rotomoulded furniture and decor pieces include: plastic stools, outdoor furniture, vases, lamps, bathtubs, sculptures, book shelves, and beds.

Automotive and marine

Rotomoulding is used for a wide range of products in the automotive and marine industry. For example, heating and air conditioning ducts, arm rests, sun visors, dashboards, small dinghies, jet ski parts, buoys, and life rings can all be made using this technique. Another advantage of using rotomoulding in the marine industry is that the products can be made using UV stabilised plastic for longer life spans and protection in even the harshest of marine conditions.

Agriculture

From cattle feeders to garden planters, fertiliser tanks, and pontoons, the possibilities for using rotomoulding in the agricultural industry are endless. Plastic is also easily transportable and weighs very little when compared to other agricultural products made out of metal or wood, which is an added bonus when you live on a farm and you need to drive long distances.

Material handling

Rotomoulded crates, eskies, and other storage containers are also great for transporting liquids, chemicals, fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce because they are made from non-toxic, BPA-free, food-grade plastic. They don’t rust or rot like metal or wood, and they’re odourless, splinter-free, easy to clean, and can resist most acids, salts, seawater and alkalis. Many companies also choose to transport their goods using rotomoulded products because their seamless one-piece design allows for a higher load-bearing capacity and good durability.

Waste

Managing waste can be a difficult process without the right equipment. The advantage of using rotomoulded plastic for products like port-a-loos, drop toilets, garbage bins, and septic tanks is that they are really easy to clean, and are able to withstand a large amount of wear and tear. They also minimise the risk of leaks and uncomfortable smells from leaching into the area.

Custom products

The best thing about rotomoulding is that, with innovative design and one mould, you can easily make all sorts of custom products and projects. From personalised kayaks to playgrounds, children’s toys, basketball hoops, pool stairs, wheelbarrows, chicken coops, garden sculptures, and more — if you can think it, you can probably make it with rotomoulding!

Curious about other products that can be rotomoulded? Or are you interested in manufacturing a product with rotomoulding? If you have a brilliant idea that you think will change the world call us today on 1800 666 333, or send us an enquiry online.

Maintaining Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank may be the most overlooked and undervalued appliance on your property. Most homeowners tend to have an ‘install it and forget about it’ approach.

Failure to provide proper care and servicing of your septic tank, however, can degrade the environment, reduce the value of your property, and cause serious health problems for your family. Here’s some must-know tips on maintaining your septic tank:

Cleaning

Your septic tank has multiple parts which require cleaning at different times. It’s a good idea to keep a log or record book of these times to ensure that you’re always on top of everything. The filter at the rear of your septic tank, which stops floating elements from blocking up the discharge pipe, should be cleaned out annually. The tank itself should be pumped out regularly by a professional, and thoroughly washed out approximately every 4-5 years.

Household products

When it comes to maintaining your septic tank, there are a number of products that should not be disposed of down your household drainage system. These items include coffee grounds, fats, grease, oils, large volumes of beer and wine, milk, sanitary napkins, tampons, baby wipes, dental floss, medical pills, disinfectants, tissues, paints and varnishes. It’s a good idea when cleaning your home (toilet, shower, sink, etc.), to use products that are specifically made for septic tanks and won’t kill the important bacteria that breaks down the waste in your tank. It’s also recommended to avoid products that contain ammonia, chlorine, pesticides, caustic solutions, and antibacterial substances. When doing the laundry, try to use liquid cleaners as opposed to powdered cleaners, and spread your loads out evenly across the week.

Wastewater disposal area

Your septic tank’s wastewater disposal area is a single-use area only, and should not be used for other purposes like parking cars, keeping horses and livestock, play for children, or growing vegetables. The micro-organisms in your soil neutralise the pathogens in your wastewater, so it’s important to keep the soil as healthy as possible and regularly mow your lawn. At the same time, try to clear away any plants that were not recommended by your provider. Dosing your septic system with a product like actizyme once every 12 months is also a good way to improve your soil’s health.

Warning signs

It’s important to have your septic tank inspected for problems every 3-10 years, depending on the size of your tank. However, if you ever notice any sewage backups in your home, slow draining toilets and drains, sewage odours, sewage surfacing on your property or lush, green growth over the drainfield, you should contact your plumber as soon as possible. You should also never make or allow repairs on your tank without obtaining the required health permits, or attempt to fix your system on your own without the proper knowledge. Always use a professional contractor when needed.

Looking to upgrade or install a septic system on your property? Contact Global today, or give us a call on 1800 666 333.