Benchmarking with Integrity: Why Test Conditions Matter in Claims Substantiation and Performance Testing

Imagine a new surface cleaner that promises to remove twice as much grease as a leading brand. The label looks sharp, the formulation is innovative, and the marketing team is ready to launch. But one critical question remains: can the claim be proven? 

In today’s marketplace, credibility is everything. Consumers want to trust what they read on a label, and regulators require that performance claims are supported by reliable data. This is where claims substantiation and performance testing come in. These processes ensure that what is promised in marketing is backed by measurable, reproducible evidence. 

At Dell Tech Laboratories, benchmarking with integrity is not just a phrase. It represents the foundation of every test we perform. Reliable product comparisons start with consistent test conditions, standardized methods, and the elimination of bias. In this blog, we explore why test conditions matter, how Dell Tech ensures data accuracy, and how performance testing can help cleaning product manufacturers build stronger, more credible brands. 

What Is Claims Substantiation and Performance Testing? 

Before a product claim appears on a label, website, or advertisement, it should be verified through claims substantiation. This process involves collecting scientific data to demonstrate that a product performs as stated. 

Claims substantiation is essential for both regulatory compliance and consumer confidence. In Canada, the United States, and other markets, authorities such as Health Canada, the Competition Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expect that performance and superiority claims are truthful, not misleading, and supported by adequate evidence. While testing may not always be a pre-market legal requirement, companies must be able to demonstrate the basis for their claims if they are challenged or reviewed. 

Performance testing provides the measurable evidence required to support these claims. It evaluates how well a product performs under controlled laboratory conditions using standardized test methods. For cleaning products, this may include:

• Soil and stain removal performance
• Surface compatibility and residue testing
• Gloss or streak-free performance
• Comparative testing against leading market products 

At Dell Tech, performance testing is guided by recognized industry standards, including ASTM, HCPA, and ISO test methods. For example, ASTM D4488-A5 is often used to evaluate the cleaning efficiency of multipurpose cleaners on resilient flooring and washable walls. Such standards ensure that results are repeatable, reproducible, and defensible. 

Why Test Conditions Matter: The Integrity of Benchmarking 

Benchmarking compares a product’s performance against another product or standard reference. To achieve meaningful results, every variable in a performance test must be tightly controlled. Even small differences in conditions can significantly affect the outcome. 

Consider a simple example. Two cleaners are tested for soil removal. If one test surface has a heavier soil load than the other, or if the water hardness or temperature is slightly different, the comparison becomes invalid. What might look like superior performance could actually be the result of inconsistent test conditions. 

This is why benchmarking integrity is so critical. Reliable testing depends on: 
Controlled conditions: Temperature, humidity, dilution rates, and application techniques must be consistent. 

• Standardized substrates: Surfaces should be uniform in material, finish, and soil type.
• Replicates and repeatability: Multiple samples must be tested to confirm consistent results.
• Trained personnel: Test execution must be performed by skilled technicians following validated procedures. 
• When these elements are properly managed, results can be trusted by regulators, retailers, and consumers. Without them, benchmarking becomes unreliable and may lead to misleading marketing claims or reputational damage. 

At Dell Tech, we believe integrity begins at the bench. Every performance test we conduct is designed to eliminate bias and ensure that comparisons are fair, transparent, and scientifically valid. 

Testing Products at the Same Time: Why Timing Matters 

An often-overlooked factor in benchmarking integrity is timing. When products are being compared, it is critical that they are tested side by side under identical conditions. Even when the same method and technician are used, repeating a test on different days can introduce subtle but meaningful variations. 

Changes in humidity, temperature, lighting, or even the condition of test substrates can alter results. Testing one cleaner this week and another next week weakens the integrity of the comparison because the test environments are no longer truly identical. 

At Dell Tech, we encourage clients to have all products being compared tested during the same session whenever possible. This approach minimizes variability, ensures fair benchmarking, and gives manufacturers confidence that differences in performance are real, not the result of changing conditions. 

How Dell Tech Ensures Credibility in Claims Testing 

Dell Tech’s Lab Services Group has decades of experience providing claims substantiation and performance testing for cleaning products, personal care products, and specialty chemical formulations. Our clients range from start-ups developing their first cleaner to global brands that require independent verification of new product claims. 

Standardized and Validated Methods 

We follow industry-recognized test methods such as ASTM D4265, ASTM D4488-A5, HCPA DCC-17, and many more. See our full list of offerings on our Claim Substantiation & Performance Testing page. Each procedure is validated for repeatability and accuracy. These standards form the basis for comparing cleaning performance, soil removal, gloss, and surface appearance. 

Controlled Laboratory Environment 

Every test is performed under monitored environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, and air quality are maintained to ensure consistency from one test to the next. Surfaces are prepared using standardized soils, and all cleaning tools, dilutions, and contact times are carefully controlled. 

Experienced Technical Staff 

Our laboratory technical staff understand that reliable data depends on precision. Each member of the team follows detailed standard operating procedures and maintains full documentation for traceability. For complex studies, Dell Tech’s technical staff can adapt or customize methods while maintaining control of all variables. 

Comprehensive Reporting 

Clients receive detailed test reports that include test setup, procedure, statistical analysis (for comparison testing), and summarized results. This documentation is designed to support both marketing and regulatory review. Whether the claim is “removes 99% of grease” or “cleans better than the leading brand,” the data must stand up to scrutiny. 

Independent and Objective Testing 

As an independent third-party laboratory, Dell Tech provides unbiased results. Our role is to generate credible evidence that supports your product’s performance, not to shape the outcome. This independence gives your claims more weight and helps maintain consumer and regulatory confidence. 

Turning Results into Market Advantage 

Reliable testing does more than validate claims. It also provides valuable insights that can strengthen your brand and guide product development. 

1. 1. Support for Marketing Claims 
      With credible test data, marketing teams can confidently promote claims such as “removes tough stains” or “outperforms the leading brand.” Substantiated claims build consumer trust and can set products apart in competitive markets.
   2. Regulatory Compliance 
      Well-documented performance data can be critical during product registration or compliance reviews. Regulatory authorities increasingly expect manufacturers to show how claims were validated. Proper documentation avoids costly delays or enforcement actions. 
   3. Product Development Feedback 
      Test results often highlight opportunities for formulation improvements. By benchmarking your product against competitors, you gain insight into where your cleaner excels and where adjustments might enhance performance. 
   4. Reputation and Consumer Trust 
      Transparent, evidence-based claims strengthen your brand’s credibility. Consumers are more likely to remain loyal to brands that deliver on their promises. 

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices 

Testing cleaning products may sound straightforward, but several common pitfalls can undermine the integrity of results. Awareness of these challenges helps manufacturers make better decisions during product development and validation. 

Pitfalls to Avoid: 
• Inconsistent test conditions that make results unreliable. 
• Using competitor products outside their intended use or concentration. 
• Relying solely on internal data without third-party verification. 
• Misinterpreting results or overstating the level of performance achieved. 

Best Practices for Reliable Claims: 
• Partner with an independent laboratory experienced in cleaning product testing. 
• Follow established ASTM, HCPA, or other recognized standard test methods whenever possible. 
• Keep complete documentation of every test condition and result. 
• Ensure that marketing teams understand what the data truly supports. 

When handled correctly, claims substantiation is not just a regulatory expectation. It is a competitive advantage. It shows that your brand values accuracy, transparency, and integrity. 

Benchmark with Integrity 

Every cleaning product on the market makes a promise to its customers. Whether that promise is about cleaning power, speed, safety, or surface compatibility, it must be supported by solid evidence. Claims substantiation and performance testing are the tools that make this possible. 

At Dell Tech Laboratories, we take pride in delivering testing programs that manufacturers and sellers can trust. Our team applies standardized methods, rigorous quality control, and scientific expertise to ensure your data is both accurate and defensible. 

Benchmarking with integrity is not just about meeting regulations. It is about earning trust. Reliable testing conditions create reliable results, and reliable results build confident brands. 

If you are ready to verify your product claims with confidence, contact our Lab Services Group to discuss your next project. Our team can help you design, execute, and document performance testing that stands up in the lab, in marketing, and in front of regulators. 

Explore Dell Tech’s Claims Substantiation and Performance Testing Services → 

DELL TECH HAS PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTING SERVICES TO THE SPECIALTY CHEMICAL INDUSTRY IN CANADA, THE USA, EUROPE AND ASIA FOR THE LAST 40 YEARS.