How To Design The Best Product For Roto-moulding

After decades of experience in custom rotational moulding, Global Rotomoulding has established a fine-tuned process for creating custom roto-moulded plastic products. We have well and truly established ourselves as an industry leader in custom roto-moulded plastic. From our trustworthy team to our reliance on the latest tech, there are a few key considerations that make the ultimate difference in creating a superior product that is engineered to last. Read on to uncover how Global Rotomoulding manages to design the best custom roto-moulded products, every time.

We follow a tried and tested rotomoulding process

Our innate desire to understand all aspects of our customer’s requirements drives our commitment to provide complete design and manufacturing solutions for plastic products.

We have established a fine-tuned process that ensures we create a quality product that meets (and exceeds) the expectations of our customers:

1. Concept design
Our technical R&D skills, coupled with our established connections with world-class product engineers, has allowed us to design complex products that minimise weight, maximise volume and cut down on product costs.

2. Full product design with product specifications
The Global Rotomoulding team will work with your engineers and designers. Our highly experienced rotomoulding team understands what can and can’t be done with plastic, and offers full product specifications.

3. Product prototyping, tooling prototyping, testing, and verifying
We strongly believe in a very strong design phase, CAD modeling, FEA engineering and 3d printing of scale products.

4. Tool making
Tool of a mould is one of the most important aspects of making a mould. Our staff and the world class product engineers can help ensure your new product can be manufactured efficiently and meets your requirements.

5. Full high capacity custom-moulding facilities
Ready for any job size, Global Rotomoulding operates eight ovens over two local sites to minimise risk. We also manufacture off-shore through our manufacturing partners for extra capacity.

6. Delivery
Our tried and tested rotomoulding process has allowed us to develop long-standing relationships with customers – built on our reliable performance.

We use the latest technology

To design the best custom rotomoulded products, you need to be keeping up with the latest technology, which is exactly what we do here at Global. Both our sites rely on only the latest technology in machinery and facilities. We are constantly re-evaluating and re-strategising how we can keep improving our processes.

Recently, we underwent substantial expansion with our adoption of the ERP system. This system, and its corresponding production and quality control web application, has streamlined our production, boosting efficiency.

Our high production capacity, paired with our reliance on robotic technologies, has maximised efficiency and long term viability.

Employ a passionate team that cares

We are proudly supported by a team of local employees who are experts in their field. Every member of the Global team strives to produce custom rotomoulded products of the highest quality. Our team loves to create exciting, high-quality custom rotomoulded products.

Global Rotomoulding designs custom rotomoulded products to last

Global Rotomoulding offers an extensive range of high-quality custom moulded products that are second to none. We work with a wide range of industries, including agriculture, domestic, automotive and more. Be sure to contact our helpful team to resolve your rotomoulding requirements.

Why Buy Plastic Rainwater Tanks for your Farm?

Thinking of purchasing a water tank for your farm? In recent years, polyethylene tanks have only continued to surge in popularity. Their unique material sets them apart from other types of rainwater tanks.

Plastic rainwater tanks are built to last. They’re engineered to endure the harsh Aussie sun and our often unpredictable weather conditions. They’re easy to install and incredibly functional. But with the broad range of plastic water tanks available, there are a few key considerations to make before you purchase one. Read on to learn everything you need to know before buying a plastic rainwater tank.

Know what size rainwater tank you need

One of the most important considerations to make before buying your water tank is, ‘what size do I need?’. If you choose a tank that’s too small, you miss out on the opportunity to collect more rain. On the flip side, if your tank is too large, you have wasted space and spent more on a tank that could have fulfilled your rainwater requirements at a smaller size. Ultimately, you need to ensure you select a tank that ensures you collect enough rainwater to fulfil your needs.

For a farm, you will likely end up with a large round rainwater tank. Outside of domestic water requirements, to determine how much water you will need to collect for your farm, first calculate how much water your livestock requires every day. Then, factor in how much water you need for crop spraying. Generally, water required for crop spraying will range between 40 to 200 litres/ha for each application. Check out this helpful guide for determining how much water your farm needs.

What colour rainwater tank do you want?

One of the benefits of choosing a polyethylene rainwater tank is the vast array of colours to choose from. At Global Rotomoulding, we have a range of 30 tank colours to choose from… the only downside is having to choose which colour you like best!

On a practical level, all tank colours can help prevent sunlight from penetrating the water tank, in turn, preventing algae growth. All Global Tanks come with light guards and leaf strainers to further prevent the growth of algae.

Aesthetic considerations also need to be made when choosing the right tank colour for your farm. You may choose subtle greens to blend in with surrounding plants of fencing, or red tones to compliment your roof.

Where will you install your rainwater tank?

Plastic rainwater tanks are lightweight and maneuverable. This saves on transportation and installation costs. Plus, you have a greater capacity to move the water tank in the future should you need to. That said, before purchasing your tank, you will need to determine where you will install it.

Fortunately, you can be quite flexible with where you install your polyethylene tank. These tanks need significantly less base preparation than other materials like steel or concrete. Still we do advise certain courses of action to achieve the best results. Check out this link for more information.

How long will my tank last?

By choosing a polyethylene tank, you can rest assured you have invested in a tank that’s built to last. Generally, you can trust your polyethylene tank will last for up to 20 years. We provide a full 10 year replacement warranty. But what about when it’s time for a replacement? Fortunately, Global Rotomoulding’s polyethylene water tanks are 100% recyclable, so you can rest assured you’re making a sustainable choice when you purchase our water tanks.

Choose a tank made built on quality workmanship

At the end of the day, you want to choose a tank that has been built by experts, with quality workmanship in mind every step of the way. At Global Rotomoulding, we have decades upon decades of experience in custom rotational moulding. We are supported by a dedicated team of local employees who strive to produce only the highest quality products. Our rainwater tanks are manufactured in polyethylene, complying with AS 2070 (plastics for food contact use) and AS/NZS 4020 (products for use in contact with drinking water). Our water tanks are equipped with proven self supporting roof designs for long term structural strength; with all tanks designed using the latest CAD & FEA software. Browse our range of water storage tanks here, and be sure to contact our team if you have any questions.  

Grazing Methods & Strategies for Aussie Farmers

Traditional ride-on mowers tend to be loud and require ongoing maintenance while also emitting carbon monoxide and dioxide into the atmosphere. On top of this, mowing is a chore that chews up valuable time and energy. That’s why countless Aussie farmers and regional homeowners rely on grazing to keep the grass neat, tidy and weed-free.

A smart grazer doesn’t just rely on one method. To keep your grass short and herd healthy, it’s best practice to incorporate a range of grazing methods into your overall grazing strategy. Read on for our round-up of the top grazing methods for Aussie farmers.

Set stocking

Set stocking refers to the method of grazing livestock in a paddock over an extended period. When this grazing method is employed:

  • The paddock is rarely rested
  • The stocking rate tends to be calculated to ensure that livestock can be grazed throughout the year.
  • Supplementary feeding may be relied on to allow for seasonal imbalances in feed supply to demand.

Rotational grazing

When livestock is rotated through a series of paddocks, this is referred to as rotational grazing. Once the final paddock has been grazed, the first paddock to be grazed has rested. This facilitates sufficient pasture growth for the paddock grazing sequence to start all over again.

Compared to set stocking, rotational grazing requires higher paddock-by-paddock stocking rates. Rotational grazing aims to graze plants intensively at the most nutritious stage in their growth cycle. This is done while allowing rest time between grazing events to allow palatable species to continue to thrive. Rotational grazing:

  • Facilitates higher stocking rates
  • Encourages the persistence of palatable perennial pasture species
  • It tends to require greater labour input and more infrastructure compared to set stocking.

Tactical grazing

Sometimes, adhering to either set stocking or rotational grazing simply isn’t the best way to allow producers to meet their objectives. Here’s where tactical grazing comes into the picture.

Tactical grazing brings together a broad range of grazing methods, including set stocking and rotational grazing, within a single year or a series of years. Incorporating a range of grazing methods into the grazing strategy helps farmers meet different animal and pasture objectives. Tactical grazing empowers farmers to strike a balance between feed supply and the demands of various livestock classes for growth rate, reproduction, and maintenance.

Tactical grazing is not too difficult for farmers to implement on their farms, especially for farms that already have either a rotational or deferred grazing system. These farms will already have the required fencing and water supplies to allow for any grazing method to be implemented. This also allows farmers to swap between different grazing methods throughout the year to meet their specified production targets.

Grazing to manage pasture species

Selecting the grazing approach best suited to the species mix on the property is an important consideration. Proper grazing management is crucial to ensuring the persistence of pasture species. During their reproduction and establishment, pastures are more vulnerable to grazing. Here, grazing can be used to target unwanted species to help prevent seed set. Alternatively, the farmer can rest desirable species to promote seed production.

Supplementary feeding

To help farmers meet feed demand with their feed supply, supplementary feeding may be required for their grazing strategy. By implementing supplementary feeding, farmers can manage any nutritional issues (for example protein, energy or mineral requirements). Plus, incorporating supplementary feeding can compensate for seasonal declines in pasture production or quality. That said, it’s up to the farmer to weigh up the cost of supplementary feeding against the benefits. To help reduce supplementary feeding costs, farmers can:

  • Change the management calendar (for example, the time of calving, kidding or lambing)
  • Change the target market
  • Change the species or enterprise mix
  • Use animals with high genetic merit that grow faster and can be sold while the feed is available
  • Sow pasture to remove a feed gap.

Common Animals For Grazing

The grazing methods the farmer chooses to utilise will influence what types of grazing animals they choose.

  • Goats: goats offer farmers an inquisitive and loveable grazer. These animals are a popular choice for lawn maintenance both for farms and regional acreage areas. Goats’ only downside is their unpredictable browsing habits which may cause uneven grass lengths.
  • Sheep: sheep are a fairly popular, reliable grazing choice for farms. Plus, they can be used for wool or milk. Being social animals, you will need at least two sheep for your pasture.
  • Cows: cows are a good choice for farmers looking to have grazing animals covering large plots of land. They’re reliable creatures; they won’t try to run away, they’ll munch through plenty of grass, and they can produce milk. The setbacks that come with cows include managing their manure and their effects on the environment (methane emissions).

There are plenty of excellent grazing methods farmers can incorporate into their grazing strategy. The type of grazing method you select depends on your pasture, your goals and your grazing animals. To keep your grazing animals happy, Global Rotomoulding stocks a wide variety of agricultural products. We stock high-quality troughs and feeders, fertiliser tanks, poly water tanks and more. Be sure to contact our helpful team if you have any questions about our range of products.

Australian Aquaculture – Benefits, Cons & Processes

Aquaculture – A Sustainable Alternative To Overfishing

Aquaculture answers an issue that has come with the increasing demand for seafood – ‘With more people to feed, where do we source the product from?’. Like farms for livestock, Aquaculture allows various species of fish, shellfish and plants to be raised in ponds, open water cages or tank systems.

Read more:
A Basic Look At Aquaculture
Understanding And Setting Up A Fertigation System
Advertising For Seasonal Workers After COVID

Aquaculture allows Australians to produce and farm marine animals and plants in an ecologically sustainable manner instead of catching wild fish and potentially damaging their natural habitats.

This practice is a fast-growing industry with the power to revolutionise the way humans obtain their seafood. While it has had a dip in growth during the COVID-19 period, it is predicted to rise as demand for international seafood increases steadily.

Australia And The Fishing Industry

The amount of seafood (edible and non-edible) produced in Australia averages at about 230,000 tonnes each year at a value of $2.4 billion per annum. Aquaculture contributes about a third of this.

Growing global populations has put strain on farmers to improve their annual yield to meet high production demands; all while managing new environmental laws and restrictions. Aquaculture can still be classified as a fledgling industry, though one with more sustainability than commercial fishing.

How Aquaculture Can Correct The Damages Of Over Fishing

Commercial fishing has become a giant industry and one that has repercussions on the environment. Excessive fishing combined with growing global demand has pushed wild fish stocks to unsustainable levels. Now, it is believed that 40% of popular fish species are being caught at unsustainable rates. Meaning they are being caught at a faster rate than they have to reproduce and replenish. Aquaculture offers a solution to establish a supply of seafood that can more easily match national and global growth.

Modern marine farming allows fish farmers to breed and raise livestock in confined areas, while still providing them with the necessary conditions and nutrients to thrive. While the economic benefits are great, aquaculture also has high environmental merit. By increasing the supply of sustainable fish, shellfish and plants, the numbers naturally existing in the wild are under less pressure by fisheries. At the base, humans aren’t the only group that need fish as a food source. Whole ecosystems are reliant on a balance of native species. Aquaculture prevents excessive fishing and allows natural stock to level out.

Farmed species in aquaculture centres will level out buyer prices as there will be less fluctuation in availability. Meaning seafood prices are less likely to drop and spike because aquaculture stock is more consistent than fishing from the oceans or rivers.

Aquaculture Recovery Prediction

While aquaculture was one of the fastest-growing primary industries in Australia, it suffered a substantial decline in the COVID-19 timeline. The value of fisheries and aquaculture production in 2020-21 is expected to drop to $2,94 billion, down 6% from the 2019-20 period. This fall was largely caused by disruptions to domestic and international market conditions, measures to address the spread of COVID-19 and changing consumer demands.

Still, the decline has reached its worst and is forecast to recover gradually over the coming few years. By the years 2025-26, aquaculture is forecast to become the primary source of harvesting seafood – accounting for 55% of the gross value of production, with the remaining 45% coming from wild-caught fish. For those years, the gross value of production is predicted to be $3.21 billion.

Pros And Cons Of Aquaculture
Pros:

  • Protects local fish species and natural habitats
  • Supports the economy
  • Has potential for significant growth
  • Stable supply of food
  • Jobs for local workers
  • Lower prices for fish
  • Manageable way to meet growing food demands

Cons

  • When done incorrectly can harm the environment
  • Increased harvesting of smaller fish for farm feed
  • Damaging to the commercial fishing industry
  • Ecosystem changes if fish escape into the surrounding water system

Areas Aquafarmers Must Be Cautious Of

Though aquaculture seems to be glowing with potential, there are downsides and concerns tied to the industry. Aquaculture centres in open waters or coastal areas can transfer disease and parasites to migrating fish. Also, fecal matter can pollute water systems because of the highly concentrated amounts of fish.

Raising farmed fish takes a lot of resources. The husbandry of predatory fish depends on high-nutrient feed. For example, salmon are fed pellets made from other fish such as sardines. In some cases, wild fish are being caught to feed farmed fish, which does not correct the issue it set out to do.

Get Your Aquaculture System Right With Global

Global’s roto-moulded aquaculture tanks are perfect for any kind of agricultural work. They’re made from UV resistant, durable, non-reactive polyethylene plastic; so they don’t break down and release harmful byproducts into the environment.

We supply a range of circular tanks in 2000 litre, 3000 litre and 5000 litres, which are suitable for fish, chemicals and fertigation. Our circular polyethylene aquaculture tanks are used in flow-through hatchery systems which help re-circulate clean water through the aquaculture tanks. This means you maintain higher oxygen levels for improved fish health and growth rates. To top it off, the smooth, fish-friendly surface reduces fin and scale damage and infections. Want to do aquaculture right? Contact us today.

Global’s Water Tanks for Aussie farms

Water storage tanks are the favoured way to cut down on water bills and ensure a reliable water source all year round for most Australian farmers. Water tanks for farms are precious assets for irrigation systems and livestock watering systems. 

Living on a farm means you need to be conscious about your water storage and supply. It’s something you probably don’t want to worry about, but something you always need to be aware of nonetheless. Over the years, Global Rotomoulding has created a range of durable tanks that take as much hassle out of water storage as possible. 

Global Rotomoulding has a range of water tanks that cover a diverse variety of applications. If you’re on the hunt for water storage options for your farm, we have a product for every job. All Global tanks are manufactured in polyethylene that complies with AS 2070 (plastics materials for food contact use) and AS/NZS 4020 (products for use in contact with drinking water). This material is 100% recyclable. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of affordable and durable water storage, you can’t go past poly tanks. 

Above Ground Water Tanks 

It’s common for rural properties in Australia to not have access to the main city water supply. Instead, farms rely on water tanks for all their needs. Filling these tanks can be done by storing rainwater, carted water, groundwater or surface water. Carted water is often seen as a last resort when existing storage options go dry because it is costly and inefficient compared to the other water filling options. 

Water tanks for farms bear several responsibilities from watering crops, providing drinking water to livestock, running household appliances, cleaning and more. Above-ground tanks are the most common system for farmers because it’s cheaper and easier to install than other options. It can also reach higher capacities than underground tanks and transportable tanks. 

Some Options

Urban Tanks

While these smaller tanks are mostly installed in residential, suburban areas, they still can add value to a rural property. An urban poly tank is perfect for a guest house or smaller facility that you want to provide with an independent water source. They are tall and flat and fit nicely against the side of a building, barn or house. 

Some Options

Underground 

Global Rotomoulding’s underground water tanks are the perfect option for farms that want to conserve space while still having quality water storage. Underground tanks have better insulation than above-ground tanks and have better security. Because they are out of the elements, they stay cool all year round, whereas the water in outdoor tanks is usually cold in the winter and warmer in summer.

Some Options 

Rural Tanks

Rural life requires a lot of water. Global Rotomoulding have several above and underground tank options for rural landowners. Our above ground tanks work their way up to 45,000ltr capacities and 5000ltr underground tanks. 

Global Tanks have several options that are UV stabilised for Australian conditions. These products are made to withstand both blistering heat and chilling colds without being damaged. We’re so confident in our product that all our above and underground tanks come with a 10-year quality guarantee. 

Some Options 

Commercial System Tanks 

Our tank range has options for commercial purposes like chemical storage or fire extinguisher systems.   

Fire – Global’s water systems can be attached to a pumping system that provides a flow of water to fire extinguisher systems. 

Chemical Storage – Global Rotomoulding has a listed group of tanks that are moulded with diesel-grade, chemical-resistant linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and feature heavy-duty stillage. At Global Rotomoulding, we manufacture polyethylene (plastic) products that comply with the AS/NZS 2070 Australian Standard. Any product that we promote as chemical-resistant or chemical-storing has been through rigorous testing.

No matter what your tank specification is, Global Rotomoulding has a quality poly tank that is perfect for the job. For more detailed information on what type of water tank is best for you, reach out to us today.

Global Rotomoulding Photo Competition

Global Rotomoulding is giving you the chance to win some awesome prizes without leaving your backyard! Our team want to see the fantastic landscapes and scenes that surround our products each day – and we want your help.

We have launched the first-ever photography competition for our existing customers with several amazing prizes on offer. Just snap a photo of your Global Rotomoulding product (tank, cartage tank, trough or agg equipment) and go in the running to win one of six prizes.

The grand prize is a fabulous private cruise in the Whitsundays aboard the Whitsunday Blue yacht. In addition, five runners up will receive VISA cards with several cash amounts on them. At the end of the competition, a panel of judges will choose the best artistic photo to win the Whitsundays cruise for two!

This is your chance to share a snapshot of your amazing lifestyle. So, send a photo of your water tank overlooking the valley, or your trough surrounded by cattle in the fog. We’d love to see all the different places Global products are being used.

How Do I Enter?

Entering is simple, just post the image on our Facebook page with the hashtag #MyGlobalView To enter OR submit via messages. Follow the rules listed below and you could be on your way to the stunning Whitsundays. 

  1. Snap your masterwork! The photo must include some Global Rotomoulding product
  2. Post an image of your Global Rotomoulding item to our Facebook page OR message it to us 
  3. Tag Global Rotomoulding using the hashtag #myglobalview 
  4. The same image can be uploaded multiple times but will be counted as one entry. 
  5. Entries can be submitted on both Instagram and Facebook. 
  6. Entries will be accepted from the 22nd of June 2021 to the 30th of August. No entries will be accepted after 11:59 pm, August 30, 2021. 
  7.  Winners will be announced in the following months on our website, newsletter and social media.

The best artistic photo chosen by a panel of judges will win a cruise for two in the Whitsundays!

Terms and Conditions apply*

Cruise The Blue Seas Of The Whitsundays With One Person Of Your Choice 

Explore the Whitsunday Islands like never before aboard the stunning Whitsunday Blue sailing catamaran. This vessel will accommodate you and one person of your choice in absolute privacy. 

You will be guided around the magnificent 74 Whitsunday islands by a professional host and skipper. Explore whichever you’d like by just giving the word. The exclusive getaway allows you and your partner, friend or family member to explore exclusive tropical beaches that are unreachable in larger ships. Your onboard chef will treat your tastebuds with gourmet meals and freshly brewed coffees. 

Spend your time however you wish by taking advantage of the deluxe suites and stunning yacht facilities or the Whitsundays’ beautiful natural water and beaches. There are plenty of opportunities to snorkel, kayak, swim and even cast a line. If you’d prefer to unwind, there are unlimited places to curl up and enjoy a book. The Whitsunday Blue’s shallow draft allows the vessel to back right up to the beach, making exploring land and sea so easy! 

The experience transforms at night! Watch the sparkling night sky from the foredeck, or watch your favourite flick on the large outdoor home theatre. When you’re on board the Whitsunday Blue, there are no limits! 

What to bring if you win: Clothes, towel, toiletries, hat, swimwear, sunscreen, jacket/sweater, camera, sunglasses, runners or sandals for island walks, 

We Look Forward to Seeing Your Amazing Photos! 

Global has a deep love for regional life, and that’s why we’re so excited to see everyone’s amazing properties, views and locations. Thank you to all of our loyal customers who have supported us over the years. We wish you the best of luck in this competition and hope to see you sailing the Whitsundays in no time. 

Terms and Conditions

  1. Australian entries only 
  2. Grand prize will strictly adhere to any new COVID-19 updates and restrictions
  3. The grand prize is not inclusive of airfare or travel. The prize winner is solely respobonsible for arranging any travel and logistics to and from the cruise. [E.g: air fare, taxi, public transport etc] 
  4. This is an acquisitive photography competition governed by these Terms and Conditions. – Please note, any photos sent in may be used by Global Rotomoulding for marketing purposes in the future. 
  5. Images must not plagiarise the work of any other person.
  6. There will be no correspondence between entrants and judges throughout this process. All decisions from the judging panel are final and binding on each entrant.
  7. Entrants must follow the instructions provided. In the case of any inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and instructions, these Terms and Conditions shall prevail.
  8. Global Rotomoulding reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions.

Why Plastic Parts Are Rapidly Overtaking Metal

Plastic vs metal – it’s a long-debated topic in agricultural, mechanical, automotive and several other industries. While metal parts and assets have been king since the first machines were created, new science has made a new (better suited) successor. Enter plastic. 

Traditionally plastics struggled to compete with the strength and durability of metals. However, current plastic technologies have allowed this substance to perform as well as, and, in some cases better than, metal. 

So when both substances can perform the same job at the same level, it boils down to cost, weight and efficiency – to which plastic is the clear victor. 

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start rethinking where you’re using metal parts and consider if you could benefit from a cheaper and better tool. 

Plastic – Stronger Than You’d Think

Plastics excel at having a high strength-to-weight ratio. It can withstand more stress before failure while weighing less than a metal part. Combine this with better tensile strength and a higher ability to resist being deformed under mass density and plastic makes a good argument against metal enthusiasts. 

The below diagram shows a broad performance range of several plastics (categorised in Polymer and Composite categories) and how they compare to metal options. While the strongest metals rank higher than plastics, the plastic options aren’t far behind and have a lower density. 

Better Chemical Resistances 

Plastics are generally less susceptible to damage from chemicals or chemical reactions. Metal water storage tanks can cause zinc to leak through your water supply, leaving an unpleasant metallic taste. 

Worse, a study by the Public and Environmental Health Service in Tasmania found harmful lead levels in some stainless steel tanks. Steel tanks are used commonly in the mining industry to store sulfuric acid. At a high concentration (98% or above) steel can handle the acidic qualities of the acid for years. However, once the solution is diluted (Lower than 93%) the formula becomes highly corrosive. Poly liquid storage tanks, which we specialise in, can dependably store this acid at most concentrations. 

Poly Plastics, The Lightweight Champion 

More weight means more power is needed to move it. One of the best reasons to replace your heavy steel products with lightweight plastic products is you significantly lower your load. 

Our poly agricultural equipment is easy to roll, lift and reposition. Very rarely do we rely on heavy machinery when it comes to installing even our largest products. If you’re looking to replace a vehicle-mounted item with a plastic one, you’ll have improved fuel efficiency and no problem lifting them on or off your ute.

Faster Fabrication Times To Meet Strict Deadlines

Time equals money! When you’re in a pinch and need a replacement part fast, utilising plastic manufacturing will have you back on your feet long before a metal replacement can be created. 

Plastic’s design flexibility allows for designs to be created in one part, whereas metal parts often require assembly or welding to create one piece. Because of a more simplistic design process, you save time, labour and cost compared to what metal manufacturing would take. 

Heat Resistance

The biggest argument against plastics is it’s lower melting point than popular metals like steel or iron. However new high-performance thermoplastics technology has a melting point of 3593.333°C where carbon steel melts between 1425 – 1540°C. Still, most common plastics will melt somewhere in the 200°C range.

Know When It’s Right To Use 

Your safety and wellbeing is our priority at Global. While we love the benefits plastics offer, sometimes metal is the right material for the job. Consider these cons when planning your replacements.

Limited Wear Resistance

Plastic’s low resistance threshold means it may be affected by high temperatures, acidity and other corrosive elements. However, there are higher-resistance plastic options better suited for handling chemicals. For example, our rotomoulded cartage tanks are suitable for transporting diesel and a range of other substances. 

Lower Structural Strength

Plastics are unsuited for supporting structures and replacing high-weight bearing parts of heavy machinery.  

If you feel that lightweight plastic will benefit you, the team at Global Rotomoulding can help out. We create a range of tanks, parts and other agricultural equipment. If you want a custom plastic piece to help you out, call us today to see how we can help. 

Why Your Poly Tank Colour Is More Important Than You Might Think

So, you’ve decided to buy a water storage tank. Once you have chosen your tank size, type and location on your property, it’s time to choose the tank colour. It turns out, there is so much more to poly tank colours than just the aesthetics; although these are important. 

In fact, there’s plenty of science involved in poly tank colours. Tank owners can leverage this science to their advantage when it comes to their water storage. 

We want to help you make an informed, well-rounded decision when choosing your poly tank colour. So, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of considerations to help you choose the best poly tank colour for your property. We’ve broken it down – first diving into how poly tank colours work, then functional considerations and lastly the aesthetic considerations of poly tank colours. 

Read on if you want to make an informed decision when choosing your poly tank colour. 

How Do Poly Tank Colours Work?

Let’s first dive into how poly tank colours are made. 

What Poly Tank Colours Are Made Of

The colours that are used in poly water tanks come from either one pigment or a mixture of pigments. There are two main sources of colour pigments: chemicals created in a lab, or mined minerals. Each production method yields different pigments. The pigment can then be combined with uncoloured polyethylene which is then eventually utilised in rotational moulding.  

How The Colours Are Added 

The polyethylene, colours and additives are initially processed through an extruder. This creates a masterbatch or encapsulated colour. This colour is then added to a carrier resin. 

To create a colour compound, the masterbatch is again combined with the natural coloured polyethylene in an extruder. After, the mix is processed through a mill. This results in a coloured polyethylene powder, which is utilised in the roto-moulding process. 

When adding colours to polyethylene, they must be durable enough so they will not fade when exposed to the high temperatures that occur during the roto-moulding process.

The colours must adhere to the following requirements:  

  • Maintain colour at high roto-moulding temperatures.
  • Resistant to fade in harsh outdoor environments.
  • Must not bleed out onto the mould.
  • Food and water grade plastic where necessary. 
  • Contain no heavy metals.
  • Economical price.
  • Sustainable impact on the environment.

What Poly Tank Colours Are Available

Tanks made from polyethylene generally accommodate the widest range of colours. At Global Rotomoulding, we offer tanks in plenty of colours across the COLORBOND colour range. 

Regulations

Many paints may contain solvents and other materials that could leak into the water supply. Therefore colours used in tanks need to comply with government standards for the safe storage of water.  

Functional Considerations

Now we’ll dive into why you should care about your poly tank colour from a practical perspective.  

Algae Contamination

Algae thrive in sunlight. If a tank was painted with an inadequate amount of pigments, this can let in enough sunlight that facilitates algae growth. This can have troubling health concerns. Some forms of algae, like the toxic blue-green algae, are highly dangerous to humans and animals. 

This does not mean that light coloured tanks are a breeding ground for algae. When they are manufactured with an adequate wall thickness by an established manufacturer, algae is effectively prevented.   

It is important to note that algae could be present in a tank with adequate wall thickness if the water is sourced from areas already contaminated with algae. Or, it may occur if the lid of the tank has been left open, letting sunlight in. 

Water Temperature

The colour of the tank can affect the temperature of the stored water too. Pigments will absorb light from the sun and convert the energy into heat. Darker colours will lead to a hotter tank as the day progresses. The tank will also climb to higher temperatures when it is empty.  

Carbon black, which is a pigment used for black or grey tanks, will reach the highest temperature among all of the tank colours (unsurprisingly), reaching up to 63 degrees celsius. 

Other darker colours like phthalocyanine blue and phthalocyanine green can reach between 60-62 degrees celsius. 

Hence, a lighter water tank will store water at cooler temperatures. Generally, this is better for tank owners – especially those caring for livestock. Livestock are more likely to drink cooler water. When our livestock drinks more, they will consume more food, hence increasing their productivity.   

Cooler water may also be necessary across other industries, such as industrial sectors. Here, cooler water is especially pertinent for concrete mixing. It is also required when washing and processing food products. 

UV Protection

UV protection may be a requirement for some tank owners. A process known as photo-oxidation is the primary cause for faded water tanks. Therefore, opting for UV stabilised water tanks that utilise high quality, durable poly resins will help to prevent any damage caused by UV light. 

Choosing an established manufacturer that sells UV stabilised poly tanks is critical to ensure protection from sun exposure.   

Aesthetic Considerations

Once you have considered the functional requirements of your tank, it’s time to consider your aesthetic preferences.

Make It All Flow

If you don’t want your tank to stick out like a sore thumb, opt for a colour that will blend seamlessly with the environment it is placed in. For example, when placing a tank outside a neutral cream or beige coloured home, why not try Classic Cream or Paperbark for the rainwater tank? 

Make A Statement

Perhaps you want to make a statement with your colour choice? You could opt for complementary colours for your house and tank. Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. When together, they pop in a fun and bright way. Common combinations are red and green or orange and blue. We particularly love Mountain Blue, which compliments earthy reds and oranges.  

Pick Up On Accents

If you have accent colours on the eaves, doors or window sills of your home, perhaps choose the same colour for your tank. This gives a seamless finish, without looking too uniform. Rivergum is a common accent without being too bright.

An Aerial View

Alternatively, you may choose to match your tank to your roof. An exact match is easy with Global Tanks COLORBOND colour matched tank colours. 

This makes for a stunning aerial view for those living on a farm where helicopters and planes tend to pass. A common colour choice is coupling a Heritage Red COLORBOND roof with the matching tank.  

When it comes to choosing your poly tank colour, there are perhaps more considerations to make than you’d initially think. This can be overwhelming. But, as long as you’re addressing the functional and aesthetic requirements for your poly tank, you can rest assured you have made the right decision. At Global Tanks, we stock tanks for a diverse range of applications, including Domestic tanks (Slimline, Underground tanks), Rural tanks and tanks for commercial systems (fire services, chemical storage). Our tanks come in up to 30 beautiful, rich colours. Find out more about our range of tanks here, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions. 

Have Peace of Mind with Our Quality Management System

When you buy a water tank you want to be sure that it is the best quality possible. That’s why at Global Rotomoulding we’ve implemented an in-depth testing and management system which has given our thousands of customers peace of mind. 

We promise the best quality service in the market for Water Tanks and all other rotomoulded products – from manufacturing to delivery. When you buy with us, you subscribe to durable poly products plus superb communication and delivery.

Our Process 

Your water tank and your specification are linked with your sales order, manufacturing, and the delivery of your tank. 

We use a unique serial number for every tank we create, so if you have any inquiries or issues down the line, we can find the exact information about your water tank. This enables us to perform custom quality checks on all our products. 

To ensure the highest quality product possible, all our production and quality control is paperless within a web app. Don’t worry about storing receipts because we will keep reference of your purchase in our files permanently.  

Global believes in honouring quality control at every step in the process:

  1. Clients are asked the correct questions to make sure they get the exact item they need. 
  2. High-quality components and plastic that meet strict batch checks by our suppliers are sourced. 
  3. Moulds are quality checked before the product is loaded. 
  4. The Global team performs several checks to ensure all components, plastics and special instructions are followed before loading it. 
  5. Unloaded products go through a first-pass QA check to ensure they meet the quality standard. 
  6. Once a product is finished we complete a custom QA check. This check is Global’s custom list that ensures each product meets our specific requirements. Examples may include:
    • Visual inspections of defined key areas.
    • Leak testing.
    • Ultrasonic thickness testing.
    • Drop testing.
  7. Custom-built trucks used to safely transport and deliver tanks to customers. 
  8. Serial numbers allow traceability of manufacturing processes and any warranty issues. 

At Global Tanks, our committed team is always ready to challenge conventional practices and find new, innovative ways to master our trade. We’ve helped land-owners across Australia get quality agricultural equipment without any stress on them. If you want a durable, and long-lasting poly water tank, get in touch with us today! We have a range of premade products, or alternatively, we can customise a tank to better suit your needs. 

5 Unconventional Crops You’ll Find Growing In Australia

Did you know that Australian farmers manage to produce enough food to feed 80 million people? The major commodities farmed in Australia include dairy, grains, meat, sugar, oilseeds, horticulture, cotton and wool. 

Although, due to the diverse and varied climate, farmers have been able to grow a range of unconventional crops across Australia. Read on for our round-up of 5 unconventional crops you’ll find growing in Australia. 

Lavender

Interest in growing lavender in Australia has substantially increased in recent years. While this crop is farmed in all states, major interest has occurred in Victoria and southern New South Wales. Lavender plantings are often used for aromatherapy purposes, teas, baking, and open gardens or nurseries. These lavender farms often serve as a tourist attraction, where visitors may indulge in a lavender scone or lavender tea. 

Saffron

Traditionally, there are three main uses of Saffron: a cooking spice, a powerful medicinal tool or as a dye. Saffron, being an incredibly labour-intensive crop, is the most expensive crop across the globe. To extract one kilogram of Saffron, the stigmas of nearly a quarter of a million flowers need to be handpicked, then dried and bottled. Currently, Iran is the world’s biggest producer of Saffron. Sensing an opportunity to replace imported produce, Tas-Saff has managed to become Australia’s most successful saffron producer.

Jojoba

This plant is grown for its oil, which is used widely within the cosmetic industry. It is native to the inhospitable parts of North America, such as the Sonoran desert. However, this hardy shrub has been growing throughout south-west and central NSW. Also, due to the plant’s salt tolerance, it has been farmed in parts of WA that are impacted by salinity.

Quinoa

Quinoa has become well known for its superfood qualities, especially in recent years where consumers have become more health-conscious. This wellness trend has seen more, and more Australians choose to pay premiums for health foods, like the grain quinoa. Australia’s quinoa industry has continued to develop in recent years, with crops based in northern Tasmania and the WA Wheatbelt. This salt-tolerant crop does not tolerate waterlogging well, but it can thrive on limited moisture.

Ginseng

Ginseng is a well known medicinal herb. It has many Chinese medicinal uses. It is used to boost immunity, reduce stress and relax muscles, while also working as a nourishing stimulant. With the increasing levels of health consciousness in consumers, some Australian farmers are capitalising on growing Ginseng. While the industry is still in it’s early stages, Australia is well-positioned to capture a share of the world market, with cropping now conducted across various regions in the eastern and southern states. 

The varied climatic conditions across Australia allow farmers to grow a range of unconventional crops. When it comes to managing an agricultural lifestyle and business, Global Rotomoulding has extensive experience. Our huge range of products; from water storage tanks to fertiliser tanks, help you get the job done, even if you’re investing your time in more obscure crops. Be sure to have a chat with our friendly team for more information.