The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International is marking 30 years in business this year to the reflective insulation, radiant barrier and interior radiation-control coatings industries.

The association was founded in 1978 by a small group of industry professionals interested in educating building professionals and consumers on the benefits and uses of reflective products. They also took an active role in the American Society of Testing Materials International by helping write the testing and installation standards for reflective insulation and radiant barriers, which continues today.

One of the association’s first accomplishments was participating in 1979 U.S. Department of Energy and Federal Trade Commission hearings on insulation products in Washington, D.C. At the completion of the hearings, the FTC published what became known as the “R-value rule.” This rule still governs the way all insulation products and radiant barriers are packaged, tested and sold today.

In the second half of the 1980s, RIMA’s efforts helped reflective products make a significant contribution to energy conservation.

The association recently changed its name to RIMA International and has expanded involvement into European countries. Companies from 12 countries make up the current membership. The association held its first international meeting in April 2007 in Paris and will hold their next in Barcelona, Spain, in May 2009.