Thetford Shows Certified "Green" Products at RV Show

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec 02, 2008 -- Thetford Corporation, a leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for the recreational vehicle (RV), marine and heavy-duty truck industries, will show a variety of environmentally-friendly products at the RV industry's annual trade show in Louisville.

Thetford products being featured at the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association's (RVIA) show in Louisville (Dec. 2-4) include:

• Eco-Smart, a DfE-certified "green" holding tank deodorant
• SmartTotes, an improved line of portable waste-water holding tanks
• Sani-Con, a unique waste-water holding-tank evacuation system
• Aqua-Kem, a non-formaldehyde Storage Tank Deodorant for RV holding tanks

Mary Burrows, Thetford's manager of chemical development, led the company's effort to create the DfE-certified environmentally-friendly products which perform at the same level as conventional equivalents.

"Our customers are becoming more environmentally conscious and as a result, we have seen an increased demand for 'green' options," said Burrows. "At Thetford, we're committed to meeting customer needs for a variety of innovative RV products."

Thetford recently was granted Design for the Environment status as part of a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create more environmentally-friendly products. Thetford has five products in its RV Care line that have received DfE certification including: Hard Water Spot Remover; RV Wash & Wax; Mildew Stain Remover; Ultra Foam Black Streak & Bug Remover, and Ultra Foam Awning Cleaner.

Thetford's Eco-Smart line of holding-tank deodorants meets strict environmental standards for toxicity, bio-safety levels and biodegradability. Consumers can choose from a formaldehyde-free formula and an enzyme-based formula, both of which meet performance levels of similar formaldehyde-containing counterparts. Each formula quickly breaks down and liquefies waste and tissue to prevent clogs. They also contain a non-toxic detergent additive that reduces odor and keeps tanks clean.

Eco-Smart's formaldehyde-free formula is available in 36- or 64-oz. bottles and a convenient 12-pack of individual dissolvable packets. The enzyme-based formula also is available in 36- or 64-oz. bottles.

SmartTotes - Thetford's line of portable waste-water holding tanks - are now easier to empty and include the company's PermaStore(TM) Hose Handling & Stowage System for clean and easy hose handling and stowing. Ranging from 12 to 35 gallons in capacity, SmartTotes are available in seven sizes and are up to 20 percent larger than competitive models.

The company's RV Sani-Con systems quickly empty waste-water holding tanks without the need for plumbing modifications. Once installed, the unique "macerating" system can pump waste 20 feet uphill through a one-inch discharge hose. The heavy-duty hose stretches up to 21 feet and retracts to seven feet to minimize storage requirements. An adaptable nozzle fits snugly into a variety of dump stations and is equipped with a special cap to eliminate dripping.

Thetford also featured Aqua-Kem's Storage Tank Deodorant for portable waste tanks at its RVIA display. The first product of its kind, Storage Tank Deodorant uses a formaldehyde-free formula to control odors for up to six months. The deodorant also lubricates seals and cleans away tank residue. Its formula is compatible with antifreeze and 100 percent biodegradable. Storage Tank Deodorant is available in a 24-oz. bottle and a convenient three-pack of 8-oz. bottles.

"New and improved products are the key to success in our highly competitive business," said Jack Tierney, Thetford's president and CEO. "With our bio-based products, Thetford plans to remain a leader in RV care."

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Thetford Corporation is the world's leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for the recreational vehicle, marine and heavy-duty truck industries. Thetford is a privately-held company with more than 1,500 employees at eight manufacturing facilities in four countries.

Thetford subsidiaries include Norcold, America's leading manufacturer of gas-absorption refrigerators and freezers for the RV, marine and truck markets; Wilcox Crittenden, a manufacturer of specialized marine and industrial hardware; Tecma, a producer of fine-china toilets and powerful waste-transfer systems based in Italy, and Spinflo, a unit in England that manufactures high-quality cooking and heating appliances as well as accessories.

More information is available on the Internet at the Thetford Website.