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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, FL, April 18 to 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.