Iris Environmental Laboratories is an environmental services franchise offering mold and asbestos inspection, sampling, and lab testing, serving homeowners, property managers, and contractors, and known for home-based operations, fast turnaround, and detailed reports that support safe remediation and regulatory compliance.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
4
+
-20%
-20%
Franchise fee
?
$36,000
Investment
?
$72,000 - $104,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$67,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Iris Environmental Laboratories is an environmental consulting and testing franchise specializing in asbestos, mold, lead, and indoor air quality inspections. The company was founded in 2012 by two brothers who combined experience in environmental testing, inspections, and business management.
It was founded in New Jersey and remains headquartered in Union, New Jersey. Iris began offering franchise opportunities at the end of 2018, with its first franchise units opening in 2019.
The franchise provides mold and asbestos inspections, sample collection, laboratory analysis, and clearance certifications. Each unit is independently owned and operated but supported by the central IRIS lab and corporate team.
Iris stands out because it combines on-site inspections with in-house accredited laboratory testing under a single brand. This integrated structure reduces delays, improves accuracy, and simplifies the customer experience. The model also helps franchisees deliver faster results and maintain consistency across all testing services.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Iris Environmental Laboratories franchise is
$72,000 - $104,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$36,000 – $36,000
Technology
$1,700 – $3,500
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures
$1,650 – $4,300
Real Estate
$0 – $1,650
Utility Deposit
$0 – $250
Sample Testing Cassettes
$270 – $270
Inventory of Products and Supplies
$590 – $930
Vehicle
$0 – $2,500
Vehicle Graphics
$800 – $3,500
Staffing
$0 – $10,500
Apparel
$390 – $660
Insurance
$1,200 – $2,800
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training Program
$1,400 – $2,300
Asbestos, Mold and Lead Required Training Programs
$0 – $2,150
XRF Hand Held Analyzer
$20,000 – $20,000
Business Licenses, Permits, Certifications and Other Professional Fees
$300 – $700
Grand Opening Marketing
$5,000 – $5,000
Operating Expenses and Additional Funds
$3,000 – $6,500
Total
$72,300 – $103,510
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$36,000 – $36,000
Technology
$1,700 – $3,500
Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures
$1,650 – $4,300
Real Estate
$0 – $1,650
Utility Deposit
$0 – $250
Sample Testing Cassettes
$270 – $270
Inventory of Products and Supplies
$590 – $930
Vehicle
$0 – $2,500
Vehicle Graphics
$800 – $3,500
Staffing
$0 – $10,500
Apparel
$390 – $660
Insurance
$1,200 – $2,800
Travel, Lodging and Meals for Initial Training Program
$1,400 – $2,300
Asbestos, Mold and Lead Required Training Programs
$0 – $2,150
XRF Hand Held Analyzer
$20,000 – $20,000
Business Licenses, Permits, Certifications and Other Professional Fees
$300 – $700
Grand Opening Marketing
$5,000 – $5,000
Operating Expenses and Additional Funds
$3,000 – $6,500
Total
$72,300 – $103,510
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Iris Environmental Laboratories's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Iris Environmental Laboratories had 9 total units in 2024, of which 4 were franchised-owned and 5 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for a Iris Environmental Laboratories franchise is 5.00%. In addition, you would have to pay the advertising (or national brand fund) fee of 1.00%.
What is the total investment?
The initial investment required for a Iris Environmental Laboratories franchise is $72,000 - $104,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a Iris Environmental Laboratories franchise is $36,000. This is typically paid upfront as part of the total initial investment, after signature of the Franchise Agreeement.
Iris Environmental Laboratories franchise provides a comprehensive, multi-phase training system to ensure that franchisees are prepared for operational success. Here’s a breakdown of the training programs:
Initial Training Program Franchisees and up to two managers must attend a five-day training program at the corporate headquarters in Union, New Jersey, which is included in the Initial Franchise Fee. The training includes both classroom and hands-on components covering business operations, marketing, sales, equipment usage, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Franchisees are responsible for their travel, lodging, and meal costs.
Supplemental and Refresher Training The franchisor may require franchisees or their designated personnel to attend additional training sessions, either at the headquarters or onsite. These programs are offered at a fee of up to $150 per person per day, and the franchisee must also cover associated expenses. Training content includes sales, advertising, administration, new technologies, and service enhancements.
Management and Replacement Training If the designated manager does not successfully complete the training or is replaced, the franchisee must provide a new candidate to undergo training at their own expense. Failure to meet training requirements can lead to termination of the agreement. Replacement training is subject to availability and the same fee structure.
Territory Protection
Iris Environmental Laboratories franchise offers a defined protected territory to each franchisee, which is determined based on factors such as zip codes, population, and market potential.
While no other franchise or company-owned unit will be licensed to operate within this assigned territory, the agreement clarifies that it is not an exclusive territory in the strongest sense.
Franchisees must still operate only within their assigned area and cannot market or solicit clients in other franchisees’ territories or unassigned areas without prior written consent.
Despite having a protected marketing territory, Iris Environmental Laboratories retains broad rights to modify or even eliminate territorial protections, especially if a franchisee is in default.