Vendor Testing Options
Dear Chemical Vendor,
The Surface Solutions Laboratory (SSL), located at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, was created as part of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI). TURI was established in 1989 by the Massachusetts legislature as a multi-disciplinary research, education and technical support center to promote reduction in the use of toxic chemicals and the generation of toxic by-products.
SSL’s mission is to test and evaluate the effectiveness of greener chemical cleaners and related equipment on a variety of substrates and soils. The Lab’s goal is to identify, develop and promote safer alternatives to hazardous solvents.
From the testing performed at SSL, an on-line database (follwoing the link will bring you to the site) was created to facilitate quick and easy access to this information. End users of cleaning products come to the site to find independent verification of potential replacement products for their specific needs.
If you would like your products listed in this database you can fill out the vendor forms available on our website or email us at lab@cleanersolutions.org to have the forms sent to you. Before products can be entered, we also will need to receive and approve Material Safety Data Sheets and Technical Data Sheets. Upon approval, sample delivery to the lab will be arranged.
At this point, only your supplied technical information will be available for end users to review. There won’t be any product performance entered. If you would like the independent performance verification to be available, you have two options.
OPTION 1
The basic plan allows you to submit products and the lab will determine when you products may be selected for testing generally if an appropriate situation arises in the lab from an end-user test request. Typically the lab works with 20 to 25 end-user clients a year with an average of three trials per client. Through this method minimal testing results may be generated for your product(s). This process does not cost your company money to participate in but does not guarantee testing. However, as mentioned, you may receive minimal test results over an extended period of time.
OPTION 2
The second opportunity can result in significant data production in a short amount of time depending upon the level of involvement you select. Currently SSL has established four levels for product performance testing. Each level offers a specified amount of testing in certain period of time. The choices start at the Bronze level, offering a week of product specific testing that will allow for up to 3 products, 4 contaminants and 1 cleaning process (i.e. immersion, ultrasonics). The Platinum level provides over 6 months of product specific testing for up to 12 products, 8 contaminants and 2 cleaning processes. The other two levels, silver and gold, fall in between the bronze and platinum levels. Read more...
Additional services can be requested at a discounted rate once you have joined. These services can include assistance in obtaining “green” certifications (Green Seal, Flower, etc.).
Additional benefits of the accelerated testing program include an increased presence in TURI’s on-line searchable database, increased visibility of your product line, improved company image and improved product formulations.
Thank you for your interest in the TURI’s Lab!
This page updated Tuesday December 11 2007