Reltex was actively involved in the design and implementation of the new UN specified plastic sheeting as validated by the International Technical Committee (ITC). The ITC consists of members from the UNHCR, IFRC, ICRC, Oxfam, UNICEF, MSF, CARE and Concern.
The main objective of the ITC was to evaluate plastic sheeting and tarpaulins that were being utilised at the time. Many of the organisations felt that the sheeting and tarpaulins available were not offering real value for money. As a result, in 1994 the ITC embarked on a series of tests to determine strength, UV protection and useful life of the various sheeting and tarpaulins on the market. Product samples were submitted and tested over a 3 year period. These tests resulted in the creation of a new material, the specifications of which, are the standard for the Reltex sheeting.
The strips are 60% stronger than the eyelets / grommets and allowed the user to create fixing points that were appropriate for the application. In other words, eyelets / grommets no longer dictated fixing points. In addition, this new specified plastic sheeting has a service life of between two and three years.
Reltex was the first company to be validated by the ITC and was also the first company to produce the product to those rigid specifications.
Reltex understands that the relief organisations of today require a company built on flexibility. To that end, we are able to supply customised sheeting which could include the organisation's logo in colour or perhaps specialised climatic dictated sheeting. This consists of bubblewrap laminated on both sides which provides a highly insulated material.
Reltex also manufactures a bucket suitable for carrying both food and drinking water which includes a tight lid and closeable pouring spout. The IFRC and the ICRC has validated our bucket for relief operations.