The Method to their Success

April 19, 2012 - Article reads in

Twelve years ago, former roommates and Method co-founders Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry revolutionized the world of cleaning. They developed effective products derived from non-toxic ingredients (no more bleach or phosphates) that are designed beautifully (no more hiding bottles under the sink) and smell delicious (no more fake pine).

The duo managed to do what no one before them could master: They made cleaning products cool. With a focus on product design and innovation, their stylish line of cleaners doesn’t sacrifice on performance and is better for the health of people, animals and the environment.

The San Francisco-based company sold its first product on February 28, 2001. Today, Method is proudly displayed everywhere from trendy bathroom countertops to Target shelves. Take a look at a timeline of the last twelve years, and how Target played a pivotal role in Method’s journey from an entrepreneurial idea to a product found in more than 40,000 stores around the world.

______________________________________________________________

2000: Childhood friends-turned-roommates-turned-entrepreneurs come up with an idea that will change their lives (and a lot of other people’s too!).

2001: On Feb. 28, Method lands its first sale—four cleaning sprays to a grocery store in Burlingame, Calif.

2002: Award-winning designer Karim Rashid helps design the first eye-popping packaging for Method.

2002: Target decides to test Method’s cleaning sprays and dish soaps in 90 stores, introducing the environmentally-conscious line of cleaners to its biggest audience yet. Seven months later, after an overwhelming response across the country, Method launches in Target stores nationwide.

2003: Method debuts its first hand wash in the iconic teardrop-shaped bottle.

2004: Method launches the first triple-concentrated laundry detergent. A win-win for consumers and retailers, Method laundry detergent takes up half the space in stores, warehouses and shipping tucks than traditional detergent, preventing millions of tons of unnecessary carbon dioxide emissions. What does that mean? Retailers can lower cost through their entire supply chain by switching to super-concentrated detergent.

2005: Method debuts across the pond and up North. Both the Canadians and the British rejoice for great design.

2006: Also known as the year of awards. Inc. 500 ranks Method as the seventh fastest growing private company in America. PETA names Eric and Adam as its “People of the Year” and give Method a progressive business award. Method performs absolutely no animal testing on any products and opts for plant-based fabric softeners rather than using animal by-products.

2007: Although it is already part of their DNA, Method officially makes social and environmental preservation a company objective by becoming a founding B Corporation member. As part of the B Corp, Method runs its business in a values-driven manner–meeting high standards of transparency, accountability and performance, and building that ethos into the legal backbone of the company so its values will never be compromised.

2008: Method begins making bottles from 100 percent recycled plastic. The packaging design goes through a rigorous process to ensure compatibility with recycling systems, energy efficiency and carbon emissions. Plus, it’s still gorgeous. Australians also get their hands on Method for the first time when the brand launches down under.

2009: Method becomes one of the first Cradle to Cradle-endorsed companies, a prestigious and comprehensive process that assesses a product’s quality and safety for future life cycles. With 27 certified products at launch, Method becomes the company with the most certified products in the world. From the ingredients in products to how they’re manufactured, Method evaluates the design and practices behind each product.

2010: 3x laundry detergent wasn’t good enough! Method debuts the first 8x concentrated plant-based detergent packaged in a handheld pump bottle.

2011: Eric and Adam write The Method Method and celebrate the 10-year anniversary since they sold their very first product in 2001.

2012: Method launches its first global brand campaign (entitled “Clean Happy”) with a colorful and quirky music video set to the catchy song “Young Blood” by indie rock band The Naked and Famous.