CO-OP CLEAN CO., Ltd. is a subsidiary company of JCCU, whose main business includes research and development of Co-op Brand detergents, soap, cosmetics, quasi-drugs, outsourced production management, and sales.

On January 31, 2020, a workshop was held for 17 Co-op members at the CO-OP Tsuchiura store of IBARAKI CO-OP. Mr.IMAMURA Michihiko from CO-OP CLEAN CO., Ltd., was invited as a guest speaker.  

CO-OP Sefter, CO-OP detergent celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. CO-OP Sefter was born in response to the voice of co-op members who wanted environmentally friendly, safe and well-washable detergents, at the time water pollution caused by detergents had become a social problem in the 1960s in Japan. Co-op members were requested to choose names for the detergent through public offering and the name "Sefter" was selected among the various names received. The name signifies safe and secure.

At the Workshop co-op members learned how to choose ideal detergents for themselves and the ethical consumption of CO-OP detergents and thereafter conducted comparative experiments between CO・OP Sefter and some commercial products.

CO ・ OP Sefter is particular about:

・Palm oil is used for surfactant.

・Does not contain additives such as fluorescent agents and colorants. 

・Using packages like recycled PET packages and paper packages that are eco-friendly.

・Not only environmentally friendly, but also friendly to household budgets.

By actually comparing, they were able to feel the difference in the fragrance and stain removal of the detergent.

Impressions of participants

(1) This study was valuable to me and it was good to learn something new.

(2) I was impressed to hear that Co-op Clean has listened to members' voices for 50 years despite their daily changing lifestyles and has continued to incorporate their voices in the development of safe and secure products.