In order to plan for a long term future, Australian Manufacturers need to create a sustainable manufacturing path in order to survive. It has become a critical part of doing business in the current age and evidently all companies need to consider sustainability around their production and operations. However, every company differs, and with this in mind each manufacturer needs to define what they deem as being sustainable for themselves – this means turning to innovation, resource efficiency and reducing the amount of materials that end up as waste.¹
The plastics industry itself was once seen as the ‘environmental vandals’ of the industry but many are now cleaning up their act.
So, in saying all this, what is Everhard Industries doing to combat this ‘environmental vandal’ image?
Everhard Industries ensures their drainage is made with conscious materials – polymer, a high quality plastic with a long shelf life that reduces the chance of having to discard the product later in life. All aspects of the designs of the newest EasyDRAIN Edge have been thought through meticulously. Prototyping of the product was completed locally by 3D printing, using PLA – a plant based material and using an additive manufacturing method which reduces waste in comparison to subtractive manufacturing methods.
All EasyDRAIN polymer products are produced with a circular economy in mind – polymer is a sustainable material and to increase the lifespan of the product we add a UV stabiliser, protecting it from degradation of UV rays – this increases the life of the product and reduces the need for replacements. At the end of the product life EasyDRAIN can be recycled back into the economy instead of going into landfill.
This is just one of the small manufacturing changes that Everhard has made in order to be more towards a more circular economy in manufacturing.
¹ Johnson, Alan. 2014. Understanding environmental sustainability in manufacturing. https://www.manmonthly.com.au/features/understanding-environmental-sustainability-in-manufacturing/
Selecting the right domestic wastewater treatment system for your home is critical to saving time and money later on. However, it can be a challenging decision. There are dozens of factors that influence a purchasing decision, and weighing up the pros and cons of different systems requires time and careful analysis. This is a major purchase and you really only have one chance to get it right.
What to Expect From a Wastewater Treatment System
A good domestic wastewater treatment system will effectively manage all residential waste allocated to it. A quality wastewater treatment system will basically act as a miniature version of your local council treatment plant.
It will effectively treat the household wastewater to extent that it can be reused for irrigation purposes on nearby plants or gardens. The goal of a good wastewater system is minimal pump-outs, meaning it can efficiently manage your solid waste for long periods without intervention, treating all solid waste and producing reasonably good quality (non-potable) water.
Wastewater Treatment Systems vs Septic Tanks
A septic tank will usually fulfill only the first stages of a good wastewater treatment system. It is for primary treatment only, relying on underground dispersion of its output to naturally transpire. Using a septic system means that surrounding soil (and the water table) may be open to contamination.
A wastewater treatment system, on the other hand, will produce output that is far more environmentally friendly, reducing the potential detrimental effects on the surrounding environment.
Capacity
Your capacity requirements are going to play a significant role in your decision. Most domestic wastewater treatment systems should comfortably handle reasonably large domestic loads.
Warranty
Any good wastewater treatment system is going to come with an extensive warranty. These are significant purchases, and you should be looking for at least a decade of warranty on the tank (or tanks in dual stage systems). High quality tanks will easily last this length of time, with some tanks (assuming proper installation) lasting for many decades.
Do your research and understand the warranty on all components of the system.
Maintenance Requirements
Different systems have differing maintenance requirements. Generally speaking, you will need to conduct basic routine maintenance at least every three months.
Maintaining your wastewater treatment system is critical to ensuring its longevity. It is highly recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines closely. By doing so, you can help avoid major servicing and repair requirements which can quickly become costly.
Location and Space
Naturally, your location and the space available are going to play a role in the type of wastewater treatment system you can install. In most situations, you will need to speak to a professional when installing. Ensure you understand where the system needs to be installed in relation to your home, how factors such as elevation, slope, soil type and even weather may impact the safe operation of your wastewater treatment system.
Local Regulations
Depending on your state and local council regulations, you may need to undergo a Land Capability Assessment or produce a Wastewater Report in order to determine eligibility and suitability for a domestic wastewater treatment system.
Often, you will be required to make an application and receive approval prior to moving ahead with installation.
If you are in doubt, consult with your local council and get an understanding of exactly what you need in a wastewater treatment system.
Aqua Nova Wastewater Treatment System
Everhard’s Aqua Nova wastewater treatment system is one of the most well-known and respected domestic systems in Australia. A two-tank system, Aqua Nova is extremely environmentally friendly and perfect for those who want to reuse recycled water on their property.
Aqua Nova works in five stages. The system produces highly treated water via an aerobic process, which is then clarified and disinfected prior to use. It is extremely economical to run and long-lasting compared to competitor solutions, while producing water quality that is best-in-class. If you’re in the market for a domestic wastewater treatment system, consider Aqua Nova.
Our new and improved Evertrench now comes in 1.2m lengths for greater ease of installation and with larger dispersion holes for quicker dissemination of fluid. Evertrench allows for a greater water transfer area than is required by the Australian Standards, ensuring a totally efficient, free-flowing wastewater disposal.
To find out more, visit our product pages:
During the 1980’s, Everhard began the production of a range of drainage products called EasyDRAIN™ , made from 100% recycled polymer, making Everhard one of the largest users of recycled plastic in Australia.
Favoured for its tough, durable and light-weight properties, polyethylene is one of the most common polymeric materials found in everyday products such as plastic packaging, bottles and shopping bags. Because the most of polymer materials are made from oil and gas, the recycling of polymeric waste helps to conserve our natural resources.
Everhard continues to manufacture products today using 100% recycled polymer. Using up to 300 tonnes of recycled materials each month, Everhard Industries remains one of the largest manufacturers of recycled plastic.