Corporate culture is changing, companies place a higher value on collaboration and innovation. Practicing Sustainability is a key goal for organisations and recycling in the workplace is a crucial part of this; however it can be challenging to implement with logistical and cultural issues to address.
Method saw an opportunity to re-think office recycling. We developed an open-plan recycling system that engages users to make a conscious decision to sort their waste. We wanted to shift the perception of recycling from a wheelie bin in the corner, to a product the staff were proud to have in their work space and encourage an organisation-wide culture of recycling.
To successfully implement a recycling system an organisation requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders. Our research sought to understand the values and needs of everybody involved in the system. We spent time with each stakeholder; interviewing property and sustainability managers, holding focus groups with office employees and joining in on night-shift with cleaning contractors. We identified Office and Sustainability Managers as the primary customer - they buy and implement the system and Employees and Cleaners are the primary users.
Our Research lead us to develop a flexible system removing barriers to recycling by focusing on:
Method design and manufacture beautiful bins that make recycling a simple, stylish part of modern offices.
Co-founders India and Steven Korner were surprised at the poor quality of recycling solutions available for modern offices. They saw sophisticated corporate environments where the recycling system was an afterthought - in conflict with the aesthetic created by architects.
With the increasing popularity of open plan offices and activity-based spaces they wanted a product that was flexible and convenient to use, not bins hidden in kitchen cupboards.
'Design Thinking' provided the frame- work for the research and design and three years later the perfect office recycling bin was launched: a beautiful, functional solution for recycling and rubbish.
Designed to simplify the process of recycling - ENJOY!