by Brianna Crandall — April 21, 2014—The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has welcomed a new international adopter of its rigorous, science-based Seal of Approval (SOA) testing and certification program for carpet cleaning products and equipment. The SOA program identifies effective carpet cleaning solutions and equipment that clean carpet right the first time and protect a facility’s carpet investment.
Dansk Fashion and Textile of Denmark will be the first international trade organization to adopt SOA standards for that country’s carpet cleaning equipment, solutions and service providers. Based in Copenhagen, Dansk is the trade association for Danish textile and clothing companies, and represents 340 of the most robust players in Danish fashion and textile industries.
While Dansk is the first international trade association to endorse the Seal of Approval program, it is not the only international entity to participate in SOA, notes CRI. Last fall, Angtvattbilen of Scandinavia, which manufactures carpet cleaning equipment for the Swedish market, began certifying its products under the Seal of Approval program. Other international manufacturers have their equipment and products SOA certified for sale in the U.S. market.
CRI’s Seal of Approval was established in 2005 when the U.S. carpet industry trade organization began its testing program on carpet cleaning solutions and equipment, including vacuum cleaners and carpet extractors. Products tested by CRI are evaluated for their effectiveness by an independent testing facility. Products that meet or exceed the stringent program requirements earn Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum approval.
According to CRI, several major carpet manufacturers recommend the use of SOA products and service providers in their residential warranties, and in the commercial world, a growing number of cleaning customers are requiring the use of SOA products and providers in their specifications.
