Plaspole

A worlds first. Innovative and sustainable.

Lightweight Aluminum With a Core of Recycled Plastic

Engineered for Long-Term Performance

A Smarter Alternative To Steel

Australian Made for Australian Conditions

30% Lower Carbon Footprint

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What is Plaspole?

For years, traditional light poles in Australia have been manufactured from virgin steel in China, causing significant greenhouse gas emissions due to mining, beneficiation, and transportation. However, Plaspole™ offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.

The Plaspole was independently tested to show its CO2 emissions of 248kg was less than 2/3 of a traditional steel pole with 380kg.

Plaspole’s™ outer skin is made of a thin aluminium layer, which is UV and weather-resistant and can be painted to match the surrounding environment. The inner core of the pole is where the real magic happens - recycled plastic, collected from Victorian kerbside post-consumer collection, is inserted into the core in a molten state and under pressure. As the plastic cools, it bonds with the aluminium skin, enhancing the pole’s structural integrity.

The recycled polymeric material used in Plaspole™ comes from post-consumer waste, such as milk bottles and yoghurt containers, and provides a longer useful life to these items. The innovative manufacturing process of PlaspoleTM reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and the amount of virgin materials required.

To ensure ease of connectivity, a thin steel tube is incorporated through the centre of the polymeric core, allowing cables to pass through. The composite material used in Plaspole™ results in a high-strength pole that can withstand wind loading and service deflection limits while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of traditional light poles.

Introducing Plaspole
Cradle to gate carbon footprint

PlaspoleTM - innovative and sustainable solution for lighting poles in Australia.

Cradle to gate carbon footprint

Using Capral Super Green aluminium pole with a recycled plastic core Plasgain has lowered the carbon footprint of its traditional steel pole from 380 to 246 kg CO2e.

Our product represents a technical leap forward in manufacturing and sustainability, with a commitment to excellence that goes far beyond the function of a mere light pole.

We are proud to offer a product that not only serves its intended purpose for over 25 years, but also supports the wider community by returning manufacturing to Australia and using recycled materials.

We believe in minimising our environmental footprint by incorporating waste materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. We are committed to making a positive difference to our planet. We have conducted independent structural testing in line with both VESI and Australian Standards.

Cradle to Gate Pole Lifecycle

Basis of Carbon Footprint

8020Green referenced the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard to estimate the carbon footprint of the two poles. Greenhouse gas emissions factors were sourced and applied to characteristics of the two poles.

Characteristic Steel Pole Aluminium Pole
Weight of steel (kg) 163 with galvanizing 55 with galvanizing
Weight of galvanizing (kg) 16 5.4 (assuming same ratio by weight as steel pole)
Weight of aluminium (kg) 20
Weight of recycled polypropylene (kg) 40
Weight of fixtures (kg) 0.5 0.5
Surface area of pole (m3) 3.6 0.92 (steel base), 2.953 (aluminium pole)
Poles per 40’ container 155 N/A
Aluminium specification Capral low carbon (LocAL) Super Green Aluminium, 4 kg CO2e/kg
Plastic specification Polypropylene Recycled - High MFI
Road freight total distance (estimate) 156 km Steel base: 156 km Aluminium: 502 km Recycled PP: 119 km
Sea freight total distance (estimate) 9,521 km Steel base: 9,520 km
Processing energy in Drouin per pole (estimate) 6 kWh 10 kWh

At Plasgain, we have extensive experience in supplying traditional light poles, and we have customised Plaspole™ with the following features to ensure successful installation.

The in-ground base is designed to be Hot Dipped Galvanising in compliance to VESI and Australian standards to accommodate 5mm wall thickness.

The Galvanised base at ground level prevents damage from line trimmers.

Plaspole - inside the pole

Figure 1: Access door location. Note a door will affix to the opening as per traditional light poles.

The cable entry location is engineered to create a seamless path for cables to pass through. During the manufacturing process, a mould is inserted to create a void within the recycled plastic. This section is buried underground and provides a durable, smooth and natural insulator for the cables.

Plaspole close up shot

Figure 2: Seamless door covering internal components sits flush with pole and unnoticeable from a distance.

Plaspole close up shot

Figure 3: Showcases the engineering cable entry location of Plaspole™, ensuring a smooth and effortless pathway for cables to pass through the recycled plastic material to reach the top of the pole. The moulded plastic is not only durable and smooth but also acts as a natural insulator.

Testimonials

Plasgain is proud to have serviced over 60 different compaines from around Victoria and Australia.

Over 60+ compaines serviced and worked with across Australia

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