FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 24, 2023
(Clemson, SC)— The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Product Performance Testing Laboratory is changing its name to International Product Assurance (IPA) Laboratories. Transition to the new name will begin immediately and a full branding reveal will take place at Coverings in Orlando, Florida April 18–21, 2023.
“Our broad growth in services initiated the search for better ways to communicate our diverse range of international testing services,” said Katelyn Simpson, TCNA’s Director of Laboratory Services. “The new name and branding will be our first steps in a comprehensive communications plan.”
The TCNA laboratory has provided independent internationally-trusted testing services for over 60 years. Today, these services encompass testing all surface coverings, installation materials, tile substrates, sustainable building materials, and raw materials to national and international standards. The laboratory also has a long history of microbiological testing and research on ceramic tiles and other floor and wall coverings, including ground-breaking research on photocatalytic antimicrobial surfaces and the antimicrobial effects of various metal oxides in glazes. In response to concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic, antiviral testing was added to the lab’s services to determine the survival rates/duration of viruses on different surface materials and the efficacy of common household cleaners to disinfect these surfaces. The lab’s expansion into antiviral and microbiological testing has led to new opportunities outside of the ceramic tile and hard surface industry as well as more growth in custom testing and research for any product.
“As consumers and specifiers continue to seek safe, durable, and healthy products, International Product Assurance Laboratories will continue to provide the independent and trusted testing needed to evaluate these products and support our clients worldwide,” said Eric Astrachan, TCNA’s Executive Director.
A full list of testing services can be found at www.ipalaboratories.com. For assistance or to discuss custom testing with the lab team, email testing@ipalaboratories.com or call 864-646-8453.
About Tile Council of North America (TCNA)
TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America (TCA), it became the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) in 2005, reflecting its membership expansion to all of North America.
The Tile Council is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers. Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, economic reports, and promotional literature.
About International Product Assurance (IPA) Laboratories
International Product Assurance Laboratories (formerly the TCNA Product Performance Testing Laboratory) offers unparalleled third-party, ISO 17025 accredited, independent laboratory services including testing of ceramic, glass, and stone tiles and panels, concrete products such as pavers, all countertop surfacing materials, composite materials such as LVT, LVP, and rigid core products, materials used in the installation of hard surface floor and wall coverings, and related raw materials. IPA Laboratories also offers antiviral, antibacterial, and other microbiological testing and research. The lab is located adjoining the Clemson University Innovation Campus and Technology Park with access to a broad spectrum of equipment including SEM, TEM, GCMS, FTIR, ICP-EMS, and more.
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Contact:
Roxanne Morris
(864) 646-8453