The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International (RIMA-I) is the only trade association representing the reflective insulation, radiant barrier, and interior radiation control coating (IRCC) industries. RIMA-I activities are guided by an active board of industry members that participate on national and local levels of building code organizations and governmental agencies.
In 1978 Don Roy (Roy & Son’s), Pat Mascari (Infra) and Robert Dittemore (Superior) met in a hotel restaurant in Los Angeles. The purpose of this meeting was to form an industry trade association. It was decided to name the association the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association, with RIMA as the acronym.
These original three members were invited to Washington DC in 1979 to participate in the DOE/FTC hearings on insulation products. They were joined by Raymond Urias of A.I.M., who became a member. At the completion of the hearings the Federal Trade Commission published what was to become known as the “R-Value Rule”. This rule still governs the way all insulation products and radiant barriers are packaged, tested, and sold.
Some of the other companies that early on joined the organization were Alfol and Foilpleat and in the 1980′s were followed by Energy Savers Imports, Reflectix, and many others. RIMA had become truly representative of the national interests of reflective insulation and radiant barrier manufacturers. Members participated very actively in ASTM, helping write the testing and installation standards for reflectives.
In 2006 RIMA was approached by companies in Europe requesting assistance with the codes and research. This request inspired an international meeting in Paris, France in 2007. Following that meeting, RIMA added ‘International’ to the association name as the membership grew to include a significant number of international manufacturers.
The association continues to grow and expand in its membership as well as its relationships and collaboroative efforts. In addition to staying active within ASTM, RIMA-I is involved in code writing and development, with ASHRAE, the Build America Program, RESNET and other energy software developers, Energy Star, the DOE, and the EPA, to name a few.
With active members around the world, RIMA-I continues to promote the use and understanding of reflectives based on the same ideals as the founders nineteen years ago.