Tennant ec-H2O No Better Than Tap Water-Confirmed by Additional Independent Testing Commissioned by Nilfisk-Advance


Plymouth, MN- Nilfisk-Advance, one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional floor cleaning equipment, today announced additional independent test results of ec-H2O (electrically-activated water used in professional floor scrubbers). The new testing measured the performance of ec-H2O relative to tap water to reduce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the presence of which indicates the degree of surface cleanliness. The testing shows that a floor scrubber using ec-H2O reduced ATP to the same level as plain tap water.

Nilfisk-Advance retained an independent and internationally-accredited lab to measure the performance of a Tennant scrubber: 1) using ec-H2O; and 2) using plain tap water. The lab found that the floor scrubber using ec-H2O reduced ATP to the same level as when the same scrubber cleaned using only plain tap water. These results provide further clarity and context to ec-H2O performance claims regarding ATP reduction. ATP is an energy molecule found in all organic matter including foods, yeast, mold, and bacteria, and is a reliable indicator of microbial contamination on a measured surface.

"These new independent test results measuring ATP, coupled with Nilfisk-Advance's earlier independent tests, provide the most credible, transparent and reliable scientific data available to date showing how ec-H2O performs relative to tap water," said Wade Reitmeier, General Manager, R&D & Product Management for Nilfisk-Advance. "These results confirm that, when used in a professional floor scrubber, there is no discernible difference between the performance of ec-H2O and plain tap water in reducing ATP."

The new independent and internationally-accredited lab testing results come in the wake of Nilfisk-Advance's earlier results released November 8, 2010 that also showed ec-H2O performed no better than plain tap water. In contrast to non-repeatable case studies cited by Tennant (that provide no direct comparison to tap water and are based largely on visual interpretations), all Nilfisk-Advance's independent tests have followed best industry practices using controlled, repeatable and scientifically-based protocols for comparing ec-H2O's performance relative to plain tap water.

To evaluate Tennant's claims that ec-H2O performs as a "powerful cleaning agent/powerful detergent," earlier independent testing commissioned by Nilfisk-Advance followed protocols of ASTM International, a globally-recognized leader in developing consensus standards used in product testing. That testing used ASTM D4488 soil, which ASTM has determined is a credible medium to measure the cleaning performance of products intended for use on resilient flooring, including vinyl floor tiles, a common floor surface in commercial and institutional settings. Certifying entities such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, and Eco-Seal use ASTM D4488 to measure product performance.

"As an industry leader, Nilfisk-Advance takes very seriously the importance of valid science in proving how professional cleaning equipment performs," said Steve Baker, V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Nilfisk-Advance. "While an attempt was made to discredit the soil composition used in our earlier independent testing, that attempt lacks substance-the reality is that most commercial and institutional floor surfaces have some level of surface petroleum product," added Baker. "These cumulative independent test results demonstrate what has been suspected for some time: when used in professional floor scrubbers, ec-H2O = tap water."

To request a copy of the complete findings of the ATP Test Results and FAQs, and earlier independent test results commissioned by Nilfisk-Advance, go to http://www.ecoflexsystem.com/ATPtest.

About Nilfisk-Advance
Nilfisk-Advance is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of professional cleaning equipment. The company has developed professional cleaning equipment for over 100 years. Nilfisk-Advance has production facilities in North America, South America, Europe, and China, and has an extensive network of sales entities in 43 countries and is represented in more than 100 countries around the world. The company currently has over 5,000 employees worldwide, with global sales of over $1 Billion USD in 2009. Nilfisk-Advance is a part of the NKT Group and listed at NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen.

www.nilfisk-advance.com

About EcoFlex(TM) System
Nilfisk-Advance's EcoFlex(TM) System, introduced in 2009, is a new cleaning technology that achieves both environmentally sustainable cleaning methods as well as the highest standards of effective cleaning. With the touch of a button, EcoFlex(TM) allows the operator to effortlessly switch between chemical-free, water-only cleaning and varying degrees of detergent use, down pressure and flow rates. EcoFlex(TM) combines effective, efficient and sustainable methods to set the new standard in green cleaning. EcoFlex(TM) is currently available on seven Advance brand floor scrubber models and will continue to be available on additional models in late 2010 and 2011.

www.ecoflexsystem.com

Media Contact:
Stacy Lynn Bettison
612-336-7705

All Topics