Understanding the Sensitive Choice Approval Process
If you’ve ever noticed a small blue butterfly symbol on certain products, you may wonder what it stands for. This logo, known as the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly, is more than just a label—it’s a mark of trust, safety, and rigorous testing. Products carrying the Blue Butterfly are reviewed by an expert panel and must meet strict criteria to ensure they’re a safer alternative for people with asthma, allergies, and sensitivities.
At Koh, we’re proud to say that all our detergent products carry the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly. Here’s what it means, why it matters, and the process every product must go through to earn this respected certification.
The Sensitive Choice Program: A Commitment to Health and Safety
The Sensitive Choice program was created by the National Asthma Council of Australia to help people identify products that are safer for those with asthma and allergies. With more than one in ten Australians living with asthma and millions more affected by allergies, the program serves a critical role in supporting healthier choices in daily life.
To qualify for the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly logo, products are rigorously assessed by a panel of experts, including respiratory specialists, allergists, and health professionals. This panel examines each product’s ingredients, formulation, and impact on air quality to ensure it meets the strict standards required to support respiratory health.
The Approval Process: How the Blue Butterfly is Earned
The journey to earning the Blue Butterfly is neither quick nor simple. Each product undergoes a multi-step process to verify its safety and suitability for people with asthma and allergies. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:
1. Initial Review and Application
- Manufacturer Submission: Companies wishing to gain the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly for their products must submit an application detailing their product's ingredients, purpose, and intended usage.
- Preliminary Screening: The Sensitive Choice team conducts an initial review to determine if the product aligns with the program’s mission and has the potential to benefit people with asthma and allergies.
2. Rigorous Assessment by an Expert Panel
- Panel of Experts: The product then goes to a panel of independent experts who are specialised in fields such as respiratory health, allergies, and epidemiology. This expert team conducts a thorough review of the product, considering factors such as:
- Ingredients: Only ingredients that are safe and non-irritating for sensitive users are permitted. Ingredients known to trigger asthma, allergies, or sensitivities are strictly prohibited.
- Air Quality Impact: Products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or contain fragrances and chemicals that could compromise indoor air quality are excluded.
- Overall Health Impact: The expert panel assesses any other potential health impacts, particularly for people with pre-existing respiratory or allergy conditions.
3. Exclusion Criteria: Why Some Products Don’t Make the Cut
- Not all products pass the rigorous standards set by the Sensitive Choice panel. Common reasons for exclusion include:
- Presence of Irritants: Ingredients known to cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, or sensitivities are grounds for rejection.
- Use of Fragrances: Fragrances, even those labelled “natural,” can trigger asthma and allergies, making them unsuitable for Sensitive Choice certification.
- High VOC Levels: Products that release VOCs can degrade indoor air quality and harm respiratory health, leading to exclusion from the program.
- This selective process ensures that only the safest, most suitable products earn the Blue Butterfly logo.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Reevaluation
- Reevaluation Process: Even after a product receives the Sensitive Choice certification, it may be subject to periodic reviews. If there are changes in the product’s formula or new research on certain ingredients, the Sensitive Choice panel may reevaluate the product to ensure it still meets the required standards.
Why Koh Earned the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly
At Koh, we’re committed to creating products that are not only effective but also safe for your health and the environment. Our detergent products carry the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly because they meet the program’s rigorous standards for safety and suitability for people with asthma and allergies. Here’s how we make sure our products qualify:
- Ingredient Safety: Our products are formulated without any harsh chemicals, irritants, or known allergens. We carefully select ingredients that are non-toxic, non-irritating, and gentle on both your skin and respiratory system.
- Fragrance-Free Solutions: Unlike many traditional cleaning products, Koh’s formulations are fragrance-free and low in VOCs. This means our products don’t release harmful fumes into your home, helping to maintain a safer indoor environment.
- Ingredient Transparency: We avoid harsh chemicals, irritants, and known allergens. Every ingredient is selected to be gentle yet effective, prioritizing safety at every step.
The Koh Difference: Why Safety is Our Top Priority
For us at Koh, safety isn’t just an afterthought—it’s embedded in our development process. We believe in creating products that make cleaning safer and more accessible for everyone, especially those with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities. The Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly certification is a mark of our commitment to health-focused innovation, ensuring you can use Koh products with confidence.
When you choose Koh, you’re choosing a product that has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee it meets the highest standards of safety. Our Sensitive Choice-certified detergents offer powerful cleaning while protecting you from exposure to harsh chemicals or irritants. We’ve created products that work without compromise, giving you peace of mind with every clean.
Key Takeaways
- Rigorous Approval Process: The Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly is awarded only after a product undergoes extensive review by an expert panel, ensuring it’s safe for people with asthma and allergies.
- Exclusion of Harmful Ingredients: Products with fragrances, VOCs, or known irritants are excluded from the program, maintaining the high standards of Sensitive Choice certification.
- Koh’s Commitment to Safety: All Koh detergent products proudly carry the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly, reflecting our dedication to safe, effective cleaning solutions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing products with the Sensitive Choice Blue Butterfly isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about prioritizing health and making thoughtful choices for your home. At Koh, we are honored to carry this mark of trust on our products, affirming our commitment to safer, healthier cleaning solutions.
With Koh, you can clean confidently, knowing each product has been tested and approved for its safety and effectiveness. We’re proud to provide a safer choice for people with asthma, allergies, and chemical sensitivities—and for anyone who wants a healthier home environment.
