Material that saves lives - safety, protection, speed
Plastic products support emergency shelter, drinking water supply and medical care when disasters or conflicts damage critical infrastructure. Their low weight, durability and hygienic properties enable rapid deployment and transport.
Natural disasters worldwide caused damage of around USD 224 billion in 2025. At the same time, the Conias conflict database recorded 1,450 ongoing political conflicts worldwide as of 30 September 2025. Homes, power grids and medical infrastructure can be destroyed within minutes. In these situations, the choice of materials affects the speed and effectiveness of aid. Plastics are used because they are lightweight, durable, hygienic and suitable for immediate deployment. They support the provision of emergency shelters, drinking water and medical assistance where infrastructure has been damaged or has collapsed.
International aid organisations emphasise that the first days after a disaster are decisive for affected communities. Relief teams, including those from World Vision, are often on site within 72 hours to provide essential supplies such as tarpaulins, water and medical care. Low weight and efficient storage are important because large quantities of supplies must reach affected areas quickly, often under difficult transport and logistical conditions.
Operational support in crisis situations
When homes are destroyed, plastic tarpaulins made from polyethylene film, commonly described as "plastic sheeting", protect people from rain, sun and cold. They can be stored efficiently, transported in large quantities and installed within a short period. The practice of distributing two rectangular sheets per family is included in the Sphere Minimum Standards, an internationally recognised guideline for humanitarian aid developed by the Sphere Association, a network of leading aid organisations.
Drinking water supply also depends heavily on plastic products. Bottles, canisters, tanks and transport containers made of plastic are lightweight, shatter-resistant and easy to stack. These properties facilitate the storage, distribution and transport of water in areas where permanent supply systems are unavailable.
UNICEF delivers emergency WASH kits, including drinking water and hygiene equipment, in more than 60 countries within 72 hours. Plastic components and containers make it possible to provide mobile, clean and rapidly deployable support under these conditions.
Mobility and hygiene in medical care
Plastic medical products are also essential in crisis areas. Syringes, infusion bags, sterile packaging and diagnostic containers enable rapid, hygienic and safe treatment, including in locations where medical infrastructure has collapsed.
Organisations such as Doctors Without Borders use standardised emergency kits that consist largely of plastic products because they are lightweight, sterile and ready for immediate use. Low packaging weight supports rapid air transport, while disposable items help to reduce infection risks. Plastic products also make it possible to maintain hygiene in damaged and highly contaminated environments.
A material for critical systems
Plastic supports operational capacity, protection and efficiency during emergencies. Polymer materials are used in emergency shelters, drinking water systems, medical care and high-technology drones. Their combination of low weight, durability and versatility enables rapid, hygienic and flexible aid measures. Under severe conditions, these properties help maintain the operation of critical systems and protect affected people.