Made in Australia: What It Means and Our Australian Made Gifts
The term ‘Made in Australia’ is deceptively complex.
“Made in Australia” is printed on a lot of things, but it doesn’t always mean what people think. Here’s what the label really means, and which Koh Living pieces are made right here.
Browse our full Made in Australia Collection, from hand creams and soaps to soy candles and pamper sets.
Aboriginal Native Frangipani Hand & Body Gift Set
$34.95
Aboriginal Vanilla & Wattleseed Body Gift Set
$59.95
Native Soy Scented Tealight Large
$5.95
What does “Made in Australia” mean?
Under Australian Consumer Law, a “Made in Australia” claim means the product was substantially transformed here. In plain terms, the main making happened in Australia, not just the packing or the design.
“Product of Australia” goes further: all the significant ingredients come from Australia and nearly all of the making happens here too. “Designed in Australia” only tells you where the design was created.
The green and gold kangaroo logo is run separately by the Australian Made Campaign. Koh Living is a licensee, so look for the logo on the pack.
Designed here, made here: how it works at Koh Living
Every Koh Living piece starts in Australia, with artwork licensed from First Nations artists and a royalty paid to the artist on every sale.
Some products, like our travel mugs, water bottles and scarves, are designed in Australia and made by trusted partners overseas. Our bath, body and candle range is different. It’s made right here, using native Australian scents.
If you were to import oranges from South America, and transform them into orange juice in Australia, you can get the ‘Made in Australia’ logo. Very technically, it is made in Australia, but probably not in the sense you were hoping. There is no farmer in Queensland getting any money in his back pocket from you buying that particular product.
It can all get a bit confusing, which is why we have a simple solution: Buy products that are clearly designed by Australians and manufactured by Australian companies. That way, you are keeping everything within our shores. Whilst it is not always that simple, and there are many great products made beyond our shores. Where possible, Koh Living always opts for Australian made products. After all, we are an Australian country who loves nothing more than to give back to Australian artists.
Koh Living is proud to support everyday working Australians by employing exclusively homegrown designers, with a special focus on Indigenous artists.Co-founder and Dreamer. of Koh Living, Tui Cordemans believes that Aboriginal art is the most beautiful in the world, and believes in showcasing these talented creatives to as many people as possible. Tui also ensures that a percentage of every single sale goes directly to the artist themselves, so in shopping with Koh, you become a patron for an exciting new Aboriginal artist.
Additionally, buying Australian designed and produced products is the sustainable choice. By reducing the amount of overseas shipments and the double handling of products, Koh is reducing its carbon footprint. If it is made nearby, it doesn’t have to travel far to get to you.
These two values underpin everything that happens at Koh Living and the products we chose to stock.
Our Australian made range
· Hand creams: 75g tubes in nine native scents, including Lemon Myrtle, Kakadu Plum and Coconut & Finger Lime.
· Natural soaps: 200g bars, hand wrapped and made with natural ingredients.
· Lip balms: flavours like Manuka Honey & Macadamia, Eucalyptus & Mint and Native Berry Bliss.
· Body mists: 100ml bottles made with Australian essential oils, in Vanilla Haze, Native Frangipani & Peach Blossom and Lemon Myrtle & Coconut.
· Scented candles: natural soy wax candle tins with up to 30 hours of burn time, plus hand-poured soy tealights.
· Pamper sets: hand creams, soaps, lip balms and cuticle oil, packed together and ready to give.
Hand creams and soaps
Our hand creams and soaps come in matching native scents, so they pair easily as a gift. The packaging carries artwork by First Nations artists such as Jacinta-rai Ridgeway-Maahs, so every tube and bar is a small piece of art too.
Soy candles
Each candle tin pairs a native scent with an artwork. Vanilla & Wattleseed carries Domica Hill’s Luina, The Blue Wren, and Lemon & Eucalyptus carries Khatija Possum’s Seven Sisters. When the candle is finished, the tin makes a handy storage pot. These hand poured candles feature the breathtaking work of Jacinta-rai Ridgeway-Maahs. When you inhale the subtle scent of native frangipani, you are truly breathing in something fundamentally Australian. The aroma is calming and tranquil on its own, but there is something deeply replenishing in knowing that it is sustainably produced and supporting the Australian artistic community.
Lip balms and body mists
Both are small enough for a handbag or pocket, which makes them easy everyday treats and simple add-ons to a bigger gift.
Australian made Christmas gifts
Everything in our Australian Made Christmas Gifts collection is made here. For something seasonal, try the Christmas Bush, Sandalwood & Wild Orange or Saltbush & Caramel candle tins.
Australian made gifts to take overseas
Hand creams, lip balms and body mists are light and easy to pack, and each one is 100ml or less, so they suit carry-on bags. That makes them thoughtful gifts from Australia for friends and family overseas.
Why choose Australian made?
· It supports Australian makers and local jobs.
· Products don’t have to travel as far to reach you.
· With Koh Living, it also supports First Nations artists. Koh Living is a member of the Indigenous Art Code, and artists earn a royalty on every sale.
FAQs
Are Koh Living products made in Australia?
Our bath, body and candle range is made in Australia: hand creams, soaps, lip balms, body mists, cuticle oil, soy candles, tealights and pamper sets. Other pieces, like mugs, bottles and scarves, are designed in Australia and made overseas. Every product carries licensed artwork by First Nations artists.
What’s the difference between “Made in Australia” and “Designed in Australia”?
“Made in Australia” means the product’s main making happened here. “Designed in Australia” means only the design was created here.
What are good Australian made gifts to send overseas?
Hand creams, lip balms and soaps travel well. They’re small and light, and our sets come gift boxed.
Ready to shop? Explore the full Made in Australia Collection.