What RX Plastics does

RX Plastics Ltd (RXP) is a New Zealand-based manufacturer of rural and infrastructure water management solutions, founded in 1972 and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the privately held Belgian conglomerate Aliaxis. The company produces a comprehensive portfolio of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products spanning piping systems, water storage tanks (500L to 30,000L), irrigation systems (the proprietary K-Line® flexible pod system and the patented G-SET® programmable wireless solid-set system), drainage systems (Drainflo® and Drainflo® Smooth), septic and wastewater treatment systems (AirTech®), stock water troughs, and a broad fittings and valves range. Manufacturing is conducted across three New Zealand facilities in Ashburton (headquarters), Tinwald (tanks and PVC extrusion), and Hamilton (pipe coil), with products certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, BEP, and relevant AS/NZS standards.

RXP's business model is hardware sales through a 100% indirect distribution channel, with no direct-to-consumer sales and pricing set on a quote basis through a network of leading rural suppliers including Farm Source, Farmlands, PGG Wrightson, Waterforce, and Think Water, plus hundreds of independent rural merchants. The company supports this channel with six dedicated territorial sales managers covering all NZ regions. It addresses four primary verticals: rural/farm customers (its largest segment, requiring water management, irrigation, stock water, and effluent solutions), lifestyle block owners, construction and infrastructure projects, and off-municipal properties needing on-site sewage treatment.

Recycling and circular-economy capability has become a strategic pillar: RXP achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2021, processes 930,000 kg of recycled plastic annually with up to 60% recycled content in Drainflo products, and committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. It co-founded Plastics Recycling NZ with Waste Management New Zealand in 2022, backed by a $12.5 million investment through the Ministry for the Environment's Plastics Innovation Fund, and acquired Compounding Specialists Ltd (Comspec) to secure 4,000+ tonnes of recycled resin feedstock annually. The company is also pursuing export growth, evidenced by its 2024 ANZ Business of the Year Excellence in Export award.

Name

RX Plastics

Legal name

RX Plastics Ltd

Website

https://rxp.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

RX Plastics is a New Zealand manufacturer of rural water management solutions — PE/PVC pipes, water tanks, irrigation (K-Line, G-SET), drainage, septic systems, and fittings — sold exclusively through the country's rural merchant network to farmers, lifestyle block owners, and infrastructure customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rural Water Management Products

NAICS

Plastics Pipe, Pipe Fitting, and Unlaminated Profile Shape Manufacturing (32612)

SIC

Plastics Products, Nec (3089)

akta.pro primary industry

Water & Sewer Pipe & Fittings (PVC/HDPE/PP) (IMANADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Irrigation & Agricultural Pipe & Fittings (IMANADAE), Consumer Products Injection Molding (Housewares, Toys, Personal Care) (IMANAFAE)

Keywords

• Plastic pipe manufacturing
• Irrigation systems
• Water storage tanks
• Rural water management
• Drainage products

Headquarters

HQ city

Tinwald

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Plastic Piping Systems: Manufacture and sale of PE and PVC pipes for water supply, irrigation, drainage, and effluent applications. Products sold through distributor network.
2. Water Storage Tanks: Polyethylene water tanks ranging from 500L to 30,000L capacity for rural and residential water storage.
3. Irrigation Systems: Complete irrigation solutions including K-Line and G-SET systems with associated pods, pipes, and accessories.
4. Septic and Wastewater Systems: AirTech sewage treatment systems and septic tanks for on-site wastewater management.
5. Stock Water Troughs: Agricultural troughs for stock water storage and supply in various sizes and configurations.
6. Fittings and Valves: Compression fittings, threaded BSP fittings, low density fittings, trough valves, tapping saddles, and camlock fittings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

RX Plastics manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of rural water management products in New Zealand, including polyethylene (PE) and PVC piping systems, polyethylene water storage tanks (500L to 30,000L), K-Line and G-SET irrigation systems, Drainflo drainage products, AirTech septic and wastewater treatment systems, and stock water troughs. The company operates three manufacturing facilities in New Zealand and sells exclusively through an extensive network of rural merchants and distributors. Products are designed and built specifically for New Zealand farming, terrain, and climate conditions, with 45+ years of local manufacturing expertise.

Product overview

RX Plastics is a New Zealand-based manufacturer of water management solutions operating for over 45 years, part of the Aliaxis Group. The product portfolio centers on rural water infrastructure with three interconnected solution areas: irrigation systems (K-Line® flexible pod systems and G-SET® solid set wireless systems), liquid storage (MAX™ and Metro water tanks, specialized tanks for colostrum/molasses/wine), and conveyance infrastructure (PE and PVC pipes, compression/threaded/BSP/low density fittings, trough valves, tapping saddles, camlocks). Supporting products include Drainflo® drainage systems, troughs for stock water, and septic/AirTech® treatment systems. The company emphasizes sustainability with recycling programs, environmental certifications (ISO 14001, BEP), and renewable energy usage at manufacturing facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• K-Line Irrigation System Flexible pipe and sprinkler pod system for cost-effective, water-efficient irrigation, effluent dispersal, and dust suppression across multiple applications including farms, lifestyle blocks, sports fields, and construction sites.
• G-SET Irrigation System Programmable and wireless control system creating a permanent solid set irrigation solution capable of operating in all environments with even application over large areas at low application rates to prevent runoff and maximise grass growth.
• MAX Water Tanks UV-stabilized, food-grade polyethylene water tanks compliant with AS/NZS 4766, featuring engineered tapered wall design with 20-year warranty, available in 500L to 30,000L capacities for rural and residential water storage.
• Metro Tanks Modular, slim-line rain harvesting solution for urban environments, each tank holding 1,670 litres, available in merino or light grey colours.
• Specialized Tanks Purpose-built tanks for storing various liquids including colostrum (500L-10,000L), molasses with thicker walls for viscous liquids (500L-30,000L), foamed tanks with superior insulation (500L-7,500L), and wine tanks.
• Drainflo High-performing, flexible, crush-resistant single-wall drainage products with specially designed slot patterns to maximise drainage and enhance strength, available in SN6 and SN10 stiffness ratings.
• Drainflo Smooth Double-walled drainage with smooth inner lining for 50% higher flow rates, ideal for low gradient or high volume applications, available with Cirtex filter sock for extra filtration.
• PE Pipe Polyethylene pipe in various dimensions and pressure ratings for water supply, K-Line pasture irrigation, and dairy effluent management applications, available in MD, LD, K-Pipe, MDID, and Lateral pipe variants.
• PVC Pipe PVC pipes in various dimensions and pressure ratings for water supply and culvert applications, available in ring joint or solvent joint options in 800 Series (pressure) and 500 Series (culvert).
• Compression Fittings High-quality compression fittings suitable for use with MDID (15mm-50mm) and 3G Metric (20mm-110mm) pipe, featuring UV stabilisation and full flow external fit design.
• Threaded/BSP Fittings Robust BSP threaded fittings (6mm-100mm) meeting AS/NZS 4020 for potable water, UV stabilised with superior joint sealing, suitable for above or below ground use.
• Low Density Fittings Impact-resistant glass fibre reinforced nylon fittings with comfortable easy grip nut design, tested for compatibility with RXP LD, EnduroFlex, Alkathene, and Rural B-Class pipe.
• Trough Valves (Philmac Float Valves) Proven designs including OptiPHIL (high performance compact), TankPHIL (super high flow), VersaPHIL (versatile full flow), EasyPHIL (compact piston), UltraPHIL (premium brass), and Versa RXP float valves for stock water troughs.
• Tapping Saddles Effective means for conducting under-pressure tapping in Metric (for MDPE pipes AS/NZS 4130) and Compression variants, available in 2 or 4 bolt options.
• Camlock Fittings Agricultural-use fittings designed for NZ conditions, perfect fit for medium density SDR17 PE pipe including Low density 50mm, K-Pipe 63mm, and Effluent Pipe 75 and 90mm, made from quality grade aluminium casting.
• Stock Water Troughs Portable stock water storage and supply troughs ranging from 75L K-Trough to 1200L Round, featuring super strong rim with rolled rims, hidden lead-in pipe protection, and easy lid access for maintenance.
• AirTech Sewage Treatment System Efficient, lightweight sewage treatment plant that safely processes household sewage and wastewater, recycling it as clear, odourless nutrient-enriched water for safe discharge into disposal fields. Available in 7000 (1,600 L/day) and 9000 (2,000 L/day) models.
• Septic Tanks High-strength polyethylene septic tanks compliant with AS/NZS 1546.1, featuring geometric shape for maximum strength and anti-flotation for wet areas, rated to 2.1 sg soil loading. Available in single and two-stage filtered variants with pump options.
• Curve Leaf and Debris Diverter Next-generation screen leaf and debris diverter protecting water tanks and stormwater systems with less than 1% water loss at 134 litres per minute, featuring self-shedding screen and quick release upper body.
• K-Line Effluent Dispersal System Effluent dispersal pods using low application rate sprinklers (Naan 5022 SD, Senninger 5023, 7025, 8025) to prevent runoff and leaching, including STD, MID, MAX 70, and MAX 80 variants.

Quantifiable outcome

• 930,000 kg of plastic recycled in 2024, avoiding 1,209T CO2e emissions
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Waste Management New ZealandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership for plastic recycling collection and processing. WM NZ is NZ's leading resource recovery and recycling provider with 70+ locations. Together formed Plastics Recycling NZ to process construction/demolition plastic waste. WM NZ collects a quarter of NZ's recycling and prioritises keeping materials onshore.
• Unitec Environmental Solutions Research Centre (ESRC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Research partnership to develop practical solutions for minimising plastic construction waste and raising awareness of plastic recycling. Part of $12.5m Plastics Innovation Fund project.
• Meridian EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021RXP joined Meridian's Certified Renewable Energy Programme as of November 2021, achieving 100% renewable electricity. Meridian matches RXP's grid electricity use with certificates from hydro and wind farms, enabling zero Scope 2 emissions reporting.
• Operation Clean SweepminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational programme to prevent resin pellet, flake, and powder loss and keep plastic out of marine environment. RXP implements good housekeeping and containment practices.
• Sustainable Business NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork enabling system change in climate, waste and nature. Has raised $10.2M for Nature Regeneration and developed 12,000+ climate action plans in Aotearoa.
• Holiday RecordsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNZ vinyl record pressing company (first since 1980s). Provides scrap and offcuts from production which RXP recycles into products.
• Compounding Specialists Ltd (Comspec)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlastic recycler located in Christchurch acquired by Plastics Recycling NZ (joint venture of Aliaxis and Waste Management). Handles over 4000 tonnes of plastic resins per year with award-winning management team having 120+ years combined plastics industry experience.
• Aliaxis GroupcoreOthersRXP is part of Aliaxis Group - privately owned Belgian company employing 16,000 people across 45 countries with 100+ companies worldwide. Aliaxis provides sustainable innovative solutions for water and energy with advanced plastic piping systems. RXP operates under Aliaxis APAC division.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Iplex Pipelines: Australia and New Zealand's largest manufacturer of plastic pipe systems for water, gas, irrigation and drainage. Directly competes with RXP across the same PE/PVC pipe categories in the Australasian rural and infrastructure markets.
• Vinidex: Leading Australian manufacturer of PVC, PE and PP pipe systems for water supply, irrigation, gas and industrial applications. Highly comparable to RXP's pipe and fittings portfolio, especially across agricultural and municipal water segments.
• Marley New Zealand: Sister Aliaxis company operating in NZ, manufacturing plastic piping, rainwater systems and water tanks. Direct overlap with RXP in pipe and water storage categories, distributed through similar trade channels.
• Netafim: Global leader in drip and precision irrigation. Comparable to RXP's K-Line and G-SET irrigation systems, with overlapping agricultural end customers though differentiated delivery mechanism (drip vs pod/sprinkler).
• Toro Australia: Major manufacturer of irrigation equipment for agriculture, turf and landscape. Overlaps directly with RXP in agricultural and sports field irrigation where K-Line and G-SET compete.
• Hunter Industries: US-headquartered manufacturer of irrigation products for agriculture, golf and residential. Comparable technology stack to RXP's irrigation systems with overlapping agricultural and landscape customer segments.
• Plasson: Manufacturer of compression fittings, valves and irrigation products used widely in agricultural and rural water systems in Australia and NZ. Closely comparable to RXP's fittings and small-scale irrigation offering.
• Philmac: Australian manufacturer of plastic compression fittings for rural and agricultural water, also part of the Aliaxis Group. Sister-company comparison and direct competitor to RXP's compression fittings range.
• Rain Bird Corporation: Global manufacturer of irrigation products for agriculture, golf, commercial and residential. Comparable to RXP in agricultural irrigation with overlapping technology and end-customer base.

Regional players

• Hydroflow: New Zealand distributor and assembler of irrigation and water management products. Comparable downstream channel presence in the NZ rural market where it overlaps with RXP's distributor model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/RXPlasticsNZ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rx-plastics-ltd

Compliance11 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RX Plastics