This press release was created and submitted by the company identified below. Oikos.com does not endorse, substantially edit or verify this information and assumes no obligation for its accuracy.

Press Release: Nov., 2009

Did You Get What You Paid For?

Day in and day out companies tell us all the amazing things their products can do.  One can get out any stain, another can make your teeth whiter and brighter - the list goes on and on.  But how many times, when you get those products home do they actually work?  In the energy conservation arena it’s pretty important whether the product does what the manufacturer claims it can do.  It’s not like you’re investing $5 in a bottle of stain remover.  You need to know that the product performs as advertised.  So how do you do that?

Some people do take the time to research products but at some point become overwhelmed.  There’s so much information out there coming from so many different sources.  Who do you believe?  What’s the right answer?  Who can tell me the bottom line????

This is an issue that the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International (RIMA-I) has now addressed.  As a non-profit trade association, RIMA-I is dedicated to providing reliable information on the reflective insulation, radiant barrier and interior radiation control coating (IRCC) industries.  The organization doesn’t sell anything but in fact does research and educates on behalf of these energy saving technologies.  We provide this background so you can understand that this new program that the organization recently launched is reliable.  This new program is RIMA-I’s new Product Verification Program. 

This program identifies reflective products which have fulfilled test requirements in accordance with the current applicable ASTM standards.  Products will be classified in one of four categories: reflective insulation, radiant barrier, interior radiation control coating (IRCC) or facer materials.  RIMA-I will utilize an independent, accredited testing and inspection laboratory that will determine if the product’s physical properties comply with the appropriate standards.  Technical data sheets, required testing documents as well as websites containing performance data will be cross-checked for accuracy.  Once all products within a category have been approved, each product will be assigned a unique verification code which the company can then used on the product, their website, website, literature, and other marketing materials.  Every company product within a category must be verified in order for the company to obtain verification.  If in doubt, those looking to purchase a verified product can reference the company’s claim right on the association website at www.rimainternational.org under the ‘Verified Products’ section. 

RIMA-I is doing the legwork for you.  With this new Product Verification Program you can rest assured the verified product has been properly tested and meets the standards for that product.

(Caption - Each ID code will be unique referencing the country – the member number assigned at application – and the category the product has been verified in.)

The program is currently available to member companies in the United States but the association will be expanding the program to include products manufactured in Australia and Europe shortly and then into other countries around the world.

Finally - you no longer have to wonder if you’re getting what you paid for!