Tandus Intros Recycled Content Backing

Dalton, GA, September 11, 2006—Tandus introduces of LifeLONG high-performance, recycled content carpet backing and Greenbond B-19 Adhesive with recycled content for commercial broadloom carpet. Monterey and Crossley, the two Tandus brands offering broadloom carpets, will utilize these technologies. "For more than 30 years, Tandus has been at the forefront of every significant technological advance in the development of environmentally designed carpet," said Ralph Grogan, Senior Vice President of Tandus. "We use the best possible materials available today in manufacturing our products while exploring the development of new materials. LifeLONG and Greenbond B-19 are the most recent results of our ongoing search for the best balance of environmental responsibility and product performance." Every day, Tandus' research continues into new and alternative recyclable materials. Tandus Technologies focuses its R&D efforts on developing the next-generation product by evaluating and prototyping products that make use of alternative as well as new polymer or bio-based systems. LifeLONG is a cost-effective, high-performance broadloom backing that replaces the LifeSpan* and LifeSpan* MG products while meeting all the physical and performance characteristics of both with a significant new feature -- 22 to 37 percent recycled content (depending on style). Additional product attributes of LifeLONG include: -- Recycled content can contribute toward LEED points -- Recyclable -- 20 year non-prorated warranty -- Outstanding tuft bind and improved lamination strength -- Increased edge ravel warranty -- Serviceability on stairs and ramps -- Will not degrade with maintenance -- Excellent rollability -- Passes Modified British Spill Test -- Moisture resistance -- Maintains flexibility over a wide range of temperatures and site conditions for the life of the carpet -- Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) -- Complies with CRI Green Label Plus, an independent testing program that identifies volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and establishes the highest standard for indoor air quality. Greenbond B-19 Tandus' Greenbond B-19 is a companion product to the newly introduced LifeLONG. A fast grabbing, ultrahigh solids, commercial carpet adhesive designed for use with all Monterey and Crossley broadloom carpets, Greenbond B-19 is third party-certified by Scientific Certification Systems to contain 20% post-consumer recycled content. Additional product attributes of Greenbond B-19 include: -- Contains 20% post-consumer recycled content and is packaged in pails containing a minimum of 40% recycled content -- Can contribute toward LEED points under Adhesives and Sealants -- Exceeds California's indoor air quality standards for low emitting products used in commercial settings such as schools and office buildings -- Meets the testing protocols used by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and is below the VOC content limit established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule# 1168 for carpet adhesive. -- Meets CRI Green Label Plus "Together, LifeLONG and Greenbond B-19 offer a powerful environmental opportunity for broadloom carpets," said Grogan. Representing the cutting edge in floorcovering innovations, Tandus Technologies promotes the technology innovation that enable Tandus to assume leadership in providing high-quality, high-performance products to the marketplace. Tandus Technologies conducts research, standards work, technical consulting and provides advisory services to Tandus senior management and technical leaders.