Why AC planters ?
Advanced Composite Fibre (AC) planters represent true state of the art in planter production technology. ‘Natural’ materials such as wood, metal and ceramics are often first choice for planter designers but these bring a host of issues such as prohibitive weight, poor longevity, frost problems outside and of course, price.
With AC not only are all these problems eliminated but using new techniques we are able to replicate the look and feel of most ‘natural’ materials to the point where when planted they are indistinguishable from the ‘real’ thing.
AC is a development from old glassfibre (GRP) technology but while the planters are still mostly constructed from plastics and fibre, they incorporate many new techniques that enable us to produce units that are stronger, less expensive and more realistic in mimicking other materials than ever before. It is now very unusual for anyone to be able to identify, once planted, an AC planter from a genuine ceramic, terracotta or metal planter.
The vast majority of our AC planters are suitable for both interior and exterior landscaping and are available in a vast range of finishes tailored for different environments.
For example for use in gardens and local authority schemes we have developed the ‘Aged’ range which currently includes terracotta, lead, copper blue, rust, Portland stone, sandstone and granite finishes, all of which look and feel exactly like their ‘real’ namesakes. In addition they will also age in the same way, picking up mosses and fungi or they can be kept pristine by washing and use of wet and dry paper to remove marks. Primarily but not exclusively for interior use we have unique polished metallic and pearlescent plus matt textured finishes which have all been created in the mould and do not involve the use of paints applied after manufacture making them much harder wearing.
AC is also the ideal medium for architects and designers. For very low cost compared to other materials, we can realise your requirements for unique designs of almost any size, shape or finish.
The advantages of AC compared to other planter construction materials can be summarised as follows
- Unbeatable strength to weight ratio compared to almost any other material leading to very durable units suitable for use in any environment including public spaces
- Ultra lightweight enabling even 1.5m diameter planters to be handled by just 2 operatives. Allows installation companies to easily comply with Health & Safety weight handling requirements and are obviously the only suitable choices for weight sensitive areas such as roof gardens.
- Completely watertight so excellent for interior use without further lining or tanking. Exterior planters can be supplied pre drilled for drainage.
- Totally frost proof and ULV resistant
- Able to moulded into almost any conceivable shape to fully replicate the look and feel of most natural materials and even plastic if you wish.
- Excellent material for use in building special one – off designs, even for relatively low numbers thanks to low costs of tooling.
- Can be manufactured in sections and joined on site to create planters of any conceivable size, while features such as pallet bases or castor wheels can easily be built in for ease of movement
- While the material is not fully recyclable virtually all our standard planters can be returned to the factory for full refurbishment to as new condition and subsequent re-use.
