METHOD-HOME

Balers help Method Home fulfill its zero-landfill vow

Method Home, a Chicago-based environmentally conscious soap manufacturer, uses two Bramidan balers to sort production waste, reflecting their commitment to zero waste and landfill diversion.
From Challenges

Challenges

  • No waste fragment sent to landfill
  • Large quantities of cardboard and PET
  • Unnecessary transportation of lightweight materials
To Benefits

Benefits

  • Sorting directly at the waste source
  • Fewer pickups
  • Reduced environmental footprint
With Bramidan

Environmentally-friendly household

Reduced environmental footprint

Although Method Home is known for their environmentally-friendly household cleaning products, their dedication to resource preservation throughout the production process is not as widely recognized. Situated in the historic Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s South side, the exterior of their soap factory, called the Soapbox, is covered in an array of brightly colored awnings that call to mind their colorful soap bottles.

The most notable features on the outside of their facility are the massive 70-metre wind turbine and solar panels, which provide clean energy for manufacturing, bottling, and distribution. Continuing with their green business practices inside the facility, Method recently purchased two Bramidan 60″ balers to support their recycling goals.

Method’s Soapbox holds an impressive LEED-Platinum certified status. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program. We recently spoke with Austin Simpson, Method’s Environment Health and Safety lead for the Soapbox, about the positive impact Bramidan’s mill size balers have had on their Midwestern facility.

Working towards a zero landfill goal

Sorting directly at the waste source

Method’s first factory, the South Side Soapbox, aims to achieve the highest levels of sustainability. The Soapbox is the only LEED-Platinum certified facility in the industry, houses the world’s largest rooftop greenhouse, is powered by a 70 metre tall wind turbine and provides much needed local jobs in Chicago’s South Side. Along with these aspirations, Method set a goal to send zero waste to landfill. To help achieve its zero landfill goal, Method purchased two Bramidan B30 wide balers. On the factory floor, Method generates large quantities of cardboard and PET bottles. Having balers on-site makes storing and transporting recyclables much more efficient.

Prior to having balers on-site, Method filled gaylords with cardboard and PET bottles and shipped them by truck. This process was very inefficient due to the fact that they were shipping very bulky but lightweight truckloads, not to mention that as an environmentally-friendly company this was not the right way to do things.

Vertical balers streamlined their process of removing waste

Fewer pickups

Method’s goal was, and remains, never to profit from their recycling operations. “When we were shipping practically empty trailers there were multiple trips involved, usually 2-3 weeks. Now we can transport the same amount of materials at a frequency of 1 week. This not only has a direct cost associated with it but also an environmental benefit due to the having less trucks on the road.”

The balers have proved to be a very beneficial addition to the Soapbox. Method has seen a reduction in the amount of space required for their recycling area and the balers have created a much easier plus streamlined way to move recyclables.
We used to ship almost empty trailers with waste collections 2-3 times per week. Now we are able to transport the same amount of waste just once a week. This has not only reduced direct costs but it also has an environmental benefit due to less trucks on the road.
Austin Simpson
Environmental Health and Safety Lead
FACTS ABOUT
METHOD-HOME
Method Home is a manufacturer of eco-friendly soaps and home-cleaning products. Their headquarters are located in San Francisco, California and their production is in Chicago, Illinois.

Popular within

Industry and production

VERTICAL BALER

Baler B4

The B4 is packed with nice extra features that you don’t find in other small balers. Enjoy high compaction and automatic bale ejection.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler B4 Textile

Compact clothes and textiles into transport friendly bales with no risk of ripping.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler B5 Wide

The B5 Wide is characterised by a wide filling opening of 1 metre. It is specially designed to handle bulky materials.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X10

A compact baler with high capacity and an unmatched 10-tonne press force. Low height and small footprint make it easy to install.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler B20

A flexible baler for cardboard, paper, and soft plastic. A wide filling opening for large boxes and retainers to prevent in-chamber material expansion.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X25

The X25 is equipped with long stroke cross cylinders for a stable compression and superior press force. Expect a high bale weight.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X25 Galvanized

Specially developed for wet or demanding environments. Hot-dip galvanized to withstand severe circumstances – indoors or outdoors.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X30 LP

The X30 LP has a low overall height in combination with a high compaction force.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X30

A baler for many types of materials. Bulky boxes and expandable plastic are no problem for this high capacity and large feed baler.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X30 Galvanized

Suitable for wet waste or waste with residual liquids. Easy to wash down if needed. Cross cylinder compaction tackles all types of waste material.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler B30 Wide

Enjoy easy loading with the extra wide filling opening. There is no need to fold even large cardboard boxes.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X40 Wide

The X40 Wide is a low profile baler with a wide filling opening, high press force, and heavy duty construction.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X50

The X50 is designed for users, who demand a superior heavy-duty machine with focus on operational reliability and safety.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler X50 Galvanized

Our unique range of galvanized balers are designed for wet or demanding environments. Also suitable to be installed outdoors – they can withstand anything the weather throws at them.

VERTICAL BALER

Baler B50 XL SD

The B50 XL with a semi-automatic Sliding Door is an extra-large baler. Enjoy easy loading due to the wide door and deep chamber. Stack bales 2 and 2 for optimal truckloads.