Green Initiatives: NTH’s Approach Towards Sustainability

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Green Initiatives: NTH’s Approach Towards Sustainability

Established in 1957, National Tent House has been a trusted leader in providing innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective solutions to humanitarian aid organizations for over six decades. The company offers an exceptional range of core relief items and critical aid supplies, dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by disasters and conflicts. Recognized for its excellence, National Tent House has earned the honor of being the United Nations’ top-ranked global supplier, driven by its commitment to quality and its ongoing efforts to develop sustainable, eco-friendly relief products. 

Sustainability is deeply embedded in the core values of National Tent House (NTH). Committed to incorporating circular economy principles into its operations, NTH focuses on minimizing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting long-term environmental benefits. By producing eco-friendly products that are GRS and ISCC certified, the company ensures its offerings align with global sustainability standards. From shelters to core relief items, every product is thoughtfully designed for durability and long-term use while maintaining an eco-conscious approach.

Following are some key prodcuts that showcase NTH’s dedication to the green globe initiative:

1. NTH UNEF Tent

National Tent House proudly launched their newly designed UNEF Tent at AIDEX 2024, marking a significant advancement in the shelter category. Made from eco-friendly materials and following sustainable design principles, the UNEF Tent is a key step forward in providing better solutions for those in need. Spanning 23m², it comfortably accommodates a family of  five, meeting the UN standard of 3.5m² per individual.

The outer shell of the UNEF Tent is constructed from lightweight Eco-Tarpaulin, consisting of 15% recycled HDPE material, and is fully recyclable—aligning with the principles of a circular economy. The inner shell is made from GRS-certified poly-cotton breathable fabric attached with a polyethylene (PE) groundsheet for enhanced comfort and protection. Additionally, the packaging eliminates single-use plastics, further reinforcing its eco-conscious approach.

Designed for durability and functionality, the UNEF Tent features lightweight fabrics that reduce overall weight. This enables compact packaging, improving loading efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and facilitating easier distribution. Its shelf life has been extended from one year to three years, significantly enhancing sustainability and utility.

The UNEF Tent is thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind as well, featuring wide windows and vents that ensure optimal airflow and effective climate regulation in all weather conditions. Once assembled, the tent can withstand wind speeds of up to 75 km/h, making it a reliable solution during storms and windy weather. Additionally, it offers several key features: fire-retardant properties (free from antimony and bromine compounds), water resistance, anti-fungal protection, and UV resistance, ensuring durability and protection in various environmental conditions

2. Eco Friendly Jerry Can

The Eco-Friendly 10L semi-collapsible Jerry Can, developed by NTH’s product development team, combines sustainability with Universal Design principles for user-friendly, accessible functionality.

This innovative water container features a 50 mm opening and a secure screw cap with a retaining strap, enabling efficient filling, discharge, and leak-proof storage. Its built-in handle is designed to ensure comfort and safety during use. Made from 100% advanced recycled ISCC certified food-grade material, the Jerry Can is fully recyclable, promoting the circular economy concept, material recovery,and a reduction in carbon emissions.

Despite its use of recycled materials, the Jerry Can meets high durability standards. The handles withstand traction tests for 10 minutes when filled to capacity, and the overall structure resists impacts, surviving at least three drops from a height of 2 meters without leaking. Additionally, it passes rigorous UV resistance tests (ASTM D4329 – 13) and complies with international food safety standards.

The product’s packaging further reflects NTH’s dedication to sustainability. FSC-certified cartons are used, crafted from unbleached and unlaminated cardboard, and marked with water-  based, non-toxic ink. By eliminating unnecessary single-use plastics and embracing materials with second-life potential, the packaging ensures minimal environmental impact throughout the product’s lifecycle.

Adding to its eco-conscious approach, the production unit is powered by solar energy and holds ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, ensuring quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety standards. These efforts reaffirm NTH’s commitment to sustainable practices and advancing a circular economy.

3. GRS Certified Recycled Fleece Blankets

At National Tent House (NTH), sustainability is a core principle, and our new eco-friendly Medium and High Thermal Blankets reflect this commitment. These blankets are made from GRS-certified 100% recycled polyester, sourced from post-consumer waste, including recycled plastic bottles. By reusing materials, we significantly reduce plastic waste, carbon emissions, and support a circular economy.

The blankets are designed for both comfort and durability. They feature no bad smell, are skin-friendly, and do not cause irritation, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for users. With a usage lifespan of 2.5 years, these blankets maintain their performance and integrity, and minimal shrinkage (under 5%) even after multiple washes. They also meet ISO 12952 fire safety standards, making them safe for use in humanitarian shelters and camps.

Our commitment to eco-conscious practices extends beyond the product itself. Water has been eliminated from the entire production process, reducing water usage and conserving resources. Additionally, the production unit is power by renewable energy and logo printing has been removed, further minimizing environmental impact. The blankets are packaged in compressed bales using recycled polypropylene, effectively eliminating single-use plastics and reducing carbon emissions during transport.

4. Recycled Bucket

The 14L Recycled Plastic Bucket, designed and manufactured by NTH with sustainability and user accessibility in mind, is a reliable solution for transporting and storing clean water and food storage in emergencies. Built according to Universal Design principles, it ensures usability for individuals of all ages and abilities.

The bucket features a stackable, leak-proof lid with a 50 mm opening and an ergonomic handle for comfort and safety. Made from 30% food-grade recycled plastic, the bucket is fully recyclable, supporting the principles of the circular economy by promoting reuse and material recovery while reducing waste and carbon emissions. Despite its recycled composition, the bucket passes durability tests, including 2-meter drops, UV resistance (ASTM D4329 – 13), and is compliant  with EN 1186-3-9 food safety standards.

The bucket’s packaging eliminates unnecessary single-use plastics, using unbleached, unlaminated FSC certified cardboard and non-toxic, water-based inks for marking. Furthermore, the bucket is manufactured in our production unit powered by solar energy, further aligning with circular economy principles by reducing the carbon footprint and utilizing renewable energy. This sustainable packaging and production process ensures minimal environmental impact while maintaining durability during transportation and storage.

Future Goals

This isn’t where it ends, NTH continues to work towards the Circular economy by setting future goals. Their goals for 2025 includes:

  • Developing Eco-friendly Fire-Retardant chemicals for Tents.
  • Plan to convert 30% of the tent manufacturing unit to renewable energy by Dec 2025.

National Tent House’s sustainability journey extends beyond specific items. By focusing on recycled materials, energy-saving methods, and innovative designs, the enterprise is setting a standard for environmentally aware practices in the humanitarian sector.

Contact Information

We at NTH remain committed to meeting your humanitarian needs. Contact us at sales@nationaltenthouse.com to learn more about ready stock and how you can help give shelter where it is most needed.