Resources · Competitor Guide
Interbloc® Competitor Comparison Guide
Interbloc®Interbloc+®Stonebloc®
Envirocon® — Interbloc® Competitor Comparison Guide envirocon.net.au
Is it an apples-for-apples comparison?
Use this guide before accepting any quote that competes with Interbloc®. It confirms whether alternative solutions are measured against the same scope, quality standards, and technical requirements — so you understand exactly what you are (and are not) getting for your money.
AWhat are you comparing against?
Tick all that apply to your project:
e.g. precast panel retaining walls, tilt-up construction
Other:
Note for tilt slab comparisons — Tilt slab is a fundamentally different construction method. It requires on-site formwork, specialist trades, concrete pouring and curing — changing the cost basis significantly. The resulting structure is also permanent and non-relocatable. Use Sections 3 (Health & Safety) and 4 (Installation & Flexibility) to expose these differences.
BBefore you compare — is the scope the same?
Scope itemInterbloc® quote includesCompetitor includes?
Block supply — 1200×600×600 mm dimensions ✓Included
Delivery / freight to site ✓Quoted separately per project (distance-based)
Engineering design / calculations ✓Via Envirocalc — can be included on request
Engineering certification ✓Available on request — independent engineer sign-off separate from design
Geomat / geogrid supply (MSE walls) ✓Specified per design — confirm with your representative
Installation / labour Quoted separately — or Envirocon® can assist
H&S lifting & installation guidelines ✓Provided with every delivery as standard
3D design & install instruction manual ✓Provided as standard — comprehensive 3D designs and install manual for all wall types
CProduct comparison matrix
For each criterion, record what the competing product offers in the Your comparison column. Any row where the competitor cannot match Interbloc® is a risk to your project.
1Product quality & manufacturing
CriteriaInterbloc®Your comparison
Concrete strength minimum What is the guaranteed minimum MPa, and how is this verified? ✓20 MPa minimum — verified per batch
Manufacturing birth certificate Can every block be traced back to its production date and batch? ✓Every block date-stamped with a unique serial number
Dimensional accuracy / tolerances Are tolerances stated, tested, and guaranteed? ✓Precision-cast to consistent tolerances — ensures correct interlock and wall alignment
Shear key / interlocking mechanism How does the block resist horizontal movement? ✓Cruciform shear key — engineered positive interlock, not friction-only
Reinforcing options Can the system handle higher loads with reinforcement? ✓Vertical duct reinforcing + geomat / geogrid for MSE walls
Face texture / finish options Can the aesthetic be matched to the project? ✓Multiple textures available: schist, smooth, exposed aggregate
2Engineering & design
CriteriaInterbloc®Your comparison
Design support Is there a proven engineering system behind the product? ✓Full structural design support for gravity, reinforced and MSE walls via Envirocalc
Comprehensive 3D designs & install guides Are 3D designs and step-by-step installation guides available for the full product range? ✓Comprehensive 3D designs and installation instruction manuals provided for all wall types
NZ / AS standard compliant Is compliance with applicable design standards formally confirmed? ✓Designed and tested to relevant NZ and Australian design standards
PE-signed engineering available Can the design be independently signed off by a registered engineer? ✓Independent engineer sign-off available on request
3Health & safety
CriteriaInterbloc®Your comparison
Certified lifting anchors What standard are the block lifting points rated and certified to? ✓REID® certified lifting anchors in every block as standard
Lifting H&S guidelines Are lifting procedures formally documented and provided with delivery? ✓Comprehensive H&S lifting guidelines issued with every delivery
Certified installation procedures Is the installation method formally documented and provided? ✓Full certified installation procedures available for all wall types
On-site concrete pour required? KEY DIFFERENCE vs tilt slab: no on-site pour = lower risk, no weather dependency ✓No pour required — blocks arrive pre-cast and pre-certifiedTilt slab requires formwork, skilled concreters, on-site pour and cure time
4Installation & flexibility
CriteriaInterbloc®Your comparison
Structure can be dismantled & reused What happens if the layout needs to change or be relocated? ✓Fully reusable — dismantle, relocate and rebuild with zero demolition waste
Installation rate How productive is installation, and what resources are needed? ✓~14 m² wall face per hour with 2 semi-skilled labourers m²/hr:Labour units:
Labour skill level required What trades are needed on site? ✓Semi-skilled labourers — no specialist concrete or formwork trades required
Curing or lead time on site How soon can the structure be loaded after installation? ✓None — blocks arrive pre-cured; install and load immediately Cure time required:days
Adaptable / reconfigurable post-install What if requirements change after installation? ✓Walls can be extended, reduced or relocated at any time
Wall heights achievable What is the full height range this system can deliver? ✓1.2 m – 6 m+ (gravity and reinforced configurations) Range:Notes:
5Commercial & supply
CriteriaInterbloc®Your comparison
Trading since 2004 Does this supplier have a proven track record with this specific product? ✓Trading since 2004 — two decades of specialist manufacturing experience In business since:
Nationwide manufacturing Where is the product manufactured, and is supply widely available? ✓Nationwide manufacturing and supply capability
Scale to supply Can supply keep pace with project demand at scale? ✓~35,000 blocks produced per year — established capacity to meet demand Annual production:
Supply continuity / lead times Is ongoing supply assured, or are there availability risks? ✓Established manufacturing with committed ongoing supply capacity Lead time:
Comprehensive block warranty What warranty is provided, and what does it cover? ✓Comprehensive block replacement warranty against manufacturing defects Warranty:
Reference projects available Can they demonstrate real-world performance at scale? ✓Two decades of documented case studies across multiple regions
6Sustainability & end of life
CriteriaInterbloc®Your comparison
Blocks reusable at end of life What happens to the structure when it is no longer needed? ✓100% reusable — blocks can be resold, repurposed or redeployed
Installation waste generated How much waste is produced during installation? ✓Near zero — no formwork waste, no on-site concrete waste
Registered EPD Is an Environmental Product Declaration available for specification and procurement? ✓Registered EPD available — quantified, third-party verified embodied carbon data
Block buyback guarantee Does the supplier stand behind the product at end of use? ✓Block buyback guarantee — Envirocon® will purchase blocks back at end of use
DKey questions to ask any competitor
If a supplier cannot answer these questions clearly and in writing, that is important information. Ask them before accepting any quote.
- What is the guaranteed minimum concrete strength (MPa), and how is this verified?
- Does every block carry a unique serial number?
- What design support is available — are comprehensive 3D designs and installation guides provided for the full product range?
- Is engineering certification available separately from the design, and who provides the independent sign-off?
- What lifting anchor standard is used, and what H&S lifting guidelines are provided with each delivery?
- What warranty is provided on the blocks?
- Can the structure be fully dismantled and reused if requirements change?
- How long has the business been manufacturing this specific product, and what is the annual production volume?
- Can you provide reference projects and direct contact details for past customers we can speak with?
- What is specifically NOT included in this quote? What will be invoiced separately?
- Is the system compliant with applicable design standards? Can you confirm this in writing?
- Is a Registered EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) available for this product?
- Is there a block buyback guarantee at end of use?
ENotes & summary
Interbloc® · Interbloc+® · Stonebloc® are registered trademarks of Envirocon®. envirocon.net.au · For technical support, contact your Envirocon® representative.