Ultra-light Collapsible Rigid Liquid Containers (CRLC) have been officially listed as standard emergency supplies by the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for 2026, according to a May 17 report from IndexBox Global. These foldable vessels are used for post-disaster drinking water, disinfectant, and medical liquid transport, withstanding high-altitude airdrops, extreme temperatures, and rough handling.
The disaster-relief CRLC is made from food-grade LDPE with enhanced drop resistance and low-temperature tolerance, remaining intact at −40°C to +70°C. It replaces heavy metal cans and rigid plastic tanks in global rescue missions, reducing transport weight by 65% and storage volume by 75%.
Performance in disaster conditions:
| Parameter | Relief-Grade CRLC | Traditional Metal Can |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.2 kg (20L) | 8.5 kg (20L) |
| Drop Resistance | 15 m airdrop | <5 m |
| Temperature Range | −40°C ~ +70°C | −10°C ~ +50°C |
| Folding Ratio | 80% | 0% |
| UN Approval | Yes | Limited |
IndexBox notes that over 200,000 relief-grade CRLCs were deployed in global disaster zones during Q1 2026, with demand expected to rise 40% in the second half.
Source: IndexBox Global Industry Report
