Sustainable by design

True entrepreneurs and innovators are the people who look for opportunities to do simple things better.

Method Recycling saw there was a need to change how we approach waste management and the way we use the office rubbish bin. They realised this could become a starting point for behaviour change, and it all began in Masterton.

Creative solutions

The founding team is husband and wife duo Steven and India Korner. They had backgrounds in Industrial Design and Commercial Leasing and were looking for something of their own. Their first move was buying a business in the waste industry, but it was to become a vehicle for something bigger.

From the outset, Spark was there, providing the coverage they needed in their rural area.

The insights they gathered in the early stages allowed them to understand the pain points and build a new direction that evolved into Method. They brought their design thinking and understanding of the commercial environment into the equation. This created a solution that worked for businesses and solved the challenges of educating and changing behaviours in office environments.

It began with a clean, contemporary redesign of the recycling bin. Creating something to suit modern working environments. It was a solution at just the right time, with their initial product launching into PWC and the University of Auckland, putting them on the map.

Supporting sustainability

Spark’s coverage of the Masterton area was the beginning of the working relationship between Method and Spark. Spark provided their rural area access to what fast became a global market.

With a stylish design and smart communication systems, Method quickly found themselves pushing into the Australian market. They established a presence in some iconic locations, including the Sydney Opera House.

This was a springboard into the wider international market. Method recycling products can now be found in offices across the UK and Silicon Valley.

As the business has grown, the ongoing relationship with the Wellington team has kept the general business needs operating smoothly.

Creating a greener future

Method's stylish bins are becoming a specified feature from international architects, meeting the demands of progressive businesses.

The company continues to be manufactured nearby, with over half the materials used being locally sourced recycled plastics. Method continues to explore new ways to manufacture products closer to end users and reduce their carbon footprint.

The team from the Spark Wellington Business Hub, who helped them connect when it all began, are always there to ensure they have the support and systems to keep growing.