Colorbiotics R​​&D: Quality Assurance Testing

How do you know the mulch colorant you use is high quality? Are you forced to take a wait-and-see approach? Wait until after application to see if it holds up to one-year claims? If it can withstand weather? If it is safe?

With Colorbiotics, you know right away.

That's thanks to our emphasis on research and development and the numerous tests we put colorant batches through. You know when you receive a shipment — and even before — that you're getting high-quality colorant.

Here are some of the tests we do:

1. Quality testing. We perform quality tests from the first batch of the year until the last batch in December to ensure product consistency for our customers.
2. Color-eye testing. We check the accuracy of the color to help our customers meet the pinpoint specifications some retailers request of suppliers.
3. Weather testing. We do accelerated inside weather testing with a weathering machine and real-time outdoor testing so that our customers know that the colorant they receive will meet whatever pledge comes with it — for example, a one-year color claim.
4. Wash-off testing. We test colorant to see how it performs in wet weather and to improve the longevity of the product. Dry time and performance in the hours after application are some of the data we gather, which helps landscapers know when the best time is to apply colored mulch.
5. Six-pack testing. We perform the same safety studies the cosmetics industry does on its products. With these results, producers can tell their customers that their colored mulch is safe for people and pets.
6. Particle-size testing. We assess colorant performance on various particle sizes. This lets producers know, for instance, the effect of colorant on a single-grind wood versus a triple grind.
7. Regulatory testing. We ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations, such as California's Prop 65 requirement, and label our products accordingly.