Bamboo

The core component of the EcoPole is bamboo fibers. Unlike trees, bamboo is a fast-growing plant. Within 12 to 18 months, the bamboo has grown back to full size. This makes it a renewable and sustainable resource.

Polyurethane foam (PUR)

The foam inside the EcoPole is light and durable. Some common uses for recycled polyurethane include carpet padding, boards and mouldings that can be used in soundproofing and flooring, and is even recycled into new polyurethane.

High density polyethylene (HDPE)

The EcoPole’s cover is a pipe made from polyethylene, a fully recyclable and extremely durable plastic material. This is the key factor for the more than 50-year lifecycle of EcoPole. HDPE is one of the easiest polymers to recycle. It is also the most common material used for distribution of drinkable water.

Transport

All materials used in the EcoPole are lightweight, making the pole up to 50% lighter than wooden poles and up to 80% lighter than concrete poles. As a consequence, trucks can be loaded with more poles. This reduces transportation cost and pollution.

The poles can also be handled by manual labour, both loading, unloading and mounting the pole into place. Cranes can be avoided and smaller vehicles and boats can be used to reach rural areas. The poles can even be floated on rivers and at sea, without any pollution from the poles.

All together the carbon footprint caused by transportation is significantly reduced compared to wooden and concrete poles.

Pollution of ground water

In addition to causing deforestation, wooden poles need to be treated with toxic chemicals to protect against rot and fungi. They are also vulnerable to damage from sun exposure, rodents, termites and woodpeckers. Even with proper maintenance, the average life cycle of a new wooden utility pole is normally under 10 years. The use and eventual disposal of these poles contaminates top soil and ground water.

The construction of the EcoPole is specifically designed to make it durable under all conditions. Corrosion, termites, rodents, woodpeckers and UV radiation are the main challenges that make wooden and concrete poles deteriorate over time.

The protective HDPE pipe and the protective polyurethane foam are the key differentiators compared to concrete and wooden poles.

HDPE is a fully recyclable plastic that protects the pole from all these potential damages. The material is tested for a variety of insects and sun exposure over time, without any signs of deterioration. HDPE withstands rough handling, but should the outer layer be damaged by an unexpected incident, the foam inside is also resistant to termites, and the pole will still be intact for a long period of time. Also, the property of the polyethylene will prevent the damaged area from expansion.

There is no need for maintenance, and the long lifecycle extends the investment period dramatically by the use of EcoPoles. The expected life cycle of an EcoPole is normally more than 50 years, and we grant a commercial warranty of 20 years.

NO POVERTY
EcoPole contributes to reducing poverty by creating local jobs.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION
Unlike wooden utility poles, EcoPole is not chemically treated, thereby not polluting groundwater.

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
EcoPole electrifies rural areas, increasing the proportion of the population with access to electricity.

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
EcoPole provides decent jobs and promotes economic growth without environmental degradation.

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
EcoPole production involves transfer of technology and training from Norway to Africa.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION
EcoPole has a long life cycle and is made from recyclable components.

LIFE ON LAND
EcoPole helps to reduce deforestation and increase the use and cultivation of bamboo