Method’s Revolution: From Bold Design to Billion-Dollar Buyout

Introduction: The Rise of Method

In the early 2000s, the cleaning products aisle in most American supermarkets was a place dominated by sterile branding, harsh chemical smells, and uninspired packaging. The products were functional, but lacked personality—and certainly didn’t align with the growing consciousness around health, environmental responsibility, and modern aesthetics. It was in this landscape that Method was born.

Founded in 2001 in San Francisco by two college friends—Eric Ryan, a brandstrategist with a background in advertising, and Adam Lowry, a chemical engineer with a passion for sustainability—Method set out to disrupt the status quo. Their idea was bold: to build a line of home cleaning products that not only worked well but looked good and did no harm to people or the planet.

At the core of Method’s philosophy was a belief that consumers shouldn’t have to choose between a clean home and a clean conscience. They introduced formulations that were biodegradable, non-toxic, and plant-based, challenging an industry that had long relied on harsh synthetic chemicals. But it wasn’t just what was inside the bottle that made Method different—it was the bottle itself.

Design became Method’s secret weapon. The brand worked with world-renowned industrial designer Karim Rashid to create iconic, sculptural packaging that people actually wanted to display on their countertops. This was a radical departure from the utilitarian jugs and spray bottles that defined the industry. By blending high-performance cleaning power with a design-forward aesthetic, Method appealed to a new kind of consumer—urban, environmentally aware, and style-conscious.

The company’s tone of voice also broke from tradition. Instead of sterile instructions and technical jargon, Method spoke to customers in a playful, irreverent, and human way. Their branding reflected a lifestyle more than a cleaning routine—a modern, mindful, and optimistic way of living.

Within just a few years, Method went from a niche disruptor to a household name. Its products were picked up by major retailers like Target, Whole Foods, and Bed Bath & Beyond, giving the brand national reach. More importantly, Method helped change the narrative around green cleaning. No longer relegated to crunchy health stores or DIY formulas, eco-friendly cleaning became aspirational, thanks in large part to the cultural relevance that Method brought to the space.

The company’s early success laid the groundwork for a broader movement in consumer goods. It proved that sustainability could be synonymous with success, and that consumers were ready to embrace products that aligned with their values—so long as they didn’t have to compromise on effectiveness or aesthetics. In this way, Method didn't just grow a brand; it sparked a revolution in the way people thought about cleaning, design, and conscious capitalism.

Method’s Unique Approach to Green Chemistry

From the outset, Method was more than just a cleaning brand—it was a chemistry revolution cloaked in vibrant design and cheerful branding. While other companies merely adapted existing formulas with small eco-friendly tweaks, Method re-engineered the concept of what it meant to be “clean.” Central to this reimagining was its commitment to green chemistry—a scientific philosophy aimed at designing products that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances from the very beginning.

Plant-Based Formulas That Deliver Performance

Method took a radically different path from legacy brands that relied on petrochemicals and synthetic surfactants. Its scientists, led by co-founder and chemical engineer Adam Lowry, began developing plant-based, non-toxic alternatives that could clean just as effectively as traditional formulas—but without the environmental toll. Instead of ammonia, chlorine bleach, or phosphates, Method products use ingredients like:

Corn- and coconut-derived surfactants for effective grease cutting

Natural enzymes to break down stains

Essential oils and food-safe fragrances for scent, rather than artificial chemicals

Each formulation was carefully screened for both human safety and environmental impact. They avoided bioaccumulative substances, toxins, carcinogens, and hormone disruptors, aligning every decision with the principles of Green Chemistry’s 12 rules, such as waste prevention, energy efficiency, and safer chemical design.

Cradle-to-Cradle Certification and Transparent Chemistry

Method was among the first in the industry to seek third-party certification for sustainability at every stage of product development. Many of their products received Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) certification, an international standard assessin g a product’s material health, recyclability, use of renewable energy, water stewardship, and social fairness.

This certification validated Method’s commitment to transparency. On their website and packaging, consumers could find complete ingredient lists—with understandable names, not just chemical codes. This practice empowered eco-conscious buyers and raised the bar for transparency across the industry.

Recycled Packaging as an Innovation Platform

Just as revolutionary as its formulations was Method’s bold approach to packaging. Recognizing that packaging contributes significantly to pollution and landfill waste, the company made early investments in closed-loop manufacturing systems. By 2008, Method had introduced bottles made entirely from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, reducing both the need for virgin petroleum-based materials a nd the brand’s overall carbon footprint.

But the company didn’t stop there. In 2012, it unveiled the world’s first packaging made from ocean plastic—collected from the beaches of Hawaii and other Pacific locations where plastic waste threatened marine ecosystems. In partnership with local volunteers and recycling companies, Method created limited-edition dish and hand soap bottles, demonstrating how waste could be transformed into a valuable resource.

This milestone wasn’t just a marketing move; it was a statement of intent. It put pressure on larger CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies to take real action on ocean pollution. It also offered a compelling narrative that resonated with younger consumers—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—who expect brands to take a stand on environmental issues.

Sustainable Manufacturing in Action: The South Side Soapbox

In 2015, Method opened the South Side Soapbox, a 150,000-square -foot manufacturing facility in Chicago that became a living embodiment of their green philosophy. It featured: A rooftop greenhouse operated in partnership with Gotham Greens, On-site wind turbines and solar panels, Zero-waste production practices, Water-recycling systems.

This facility was one of the first LEED Platinum-certified factories in its category and set a new benchmark for what green manufacturing could look like in urban America. It allowed Method not only to reduce supply chain emissions but also to invest in a local workforce and neighborhood revitalization.

Shifting Industry Standards

Through innovation, transparency, and bold environmental commitments, Method did more than differentiate itself—it moved the goalposts. Competitors were compelled to respond, resulting in the industry-wide adoption of:

Ingredient disclosure policies

The increased use of plant-based formulas

Recyclable or PCR packaging standards

Major brands like Clorox and Procter & Gamble began launching their own "green" lines in response to consumer demand shaped, in large part, by Method’s success.Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

In 2012, Method merged with Belgian company Ecover, creating the world's largest green cleaning company. This partnership expanded their global reach and combined their expertise in sustainable products.

The growth trajectory continued when SC Johnson acquired both Method and Ecover in 2017. This acquisition allowed SC Johnson to enhance its portfolio with established eco-friendly brands, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.

Investing in Green Cleaning Technologies: Opportunities in the USA

The green cleaning industry in the USA presents significant investment opportunities. With increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products, the market for eco-friendly cleaning solutions is expanding rapidly.

Market Trends

Consumer Demand: A growing number of consumers prioritize environmentally friendly products, driving demand for green cleaning solutions.

Regulatory Support: Government initiatives and regulations favoring sustainable products provide a conducive environment for growth.

Investment Strategies

Startups and Innovators: Investing in emerging companies that focus on green chemistry and sustainable packaging can yield substantial returns.

Established Brands: Supporting established brands expanding their eco-friendly product lines offers stable investment opportunities.

Technology and Infrastructure: Investing in technologies that enhance sustainability, such as biodegradable materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes, is crucial.

The Future of Green Cleaning

The story of Method is far more than a corporate success—it is a blueprint for how visionary thinking, ethical entrepreneurship, and sustainable innovation can converge to reshape an entire industry. From a modest San Francisco startup in 2001 to a billion-dollar buyout by SC Johnson in 2017, Method’s rise signals a profound and permanent shift in consumer values and corporate priorities. It has proven that **“green” no longer means niche—it means next.”

A New Standard for the Cleaning Industry

Method challenged—and ultimately rewrote—the rules of household cleaning. Where once consumers had to choose between effectiveness and sustainability, Method delivered both. With its vivid packaging, scientifically-backed plant-based formulas, and environmental stewardship, the company redefined what consumers expect from home care products.

More importantly, Method forced the hand of industry giants, leading to ripple effects across the global cleaning and personal care sectors. As other corporations scramble to introduce their own “eco-friendly” lines, it’s clear that the green cleaning movement is no longer a trend—it is the future.

Accelerating Demand for Green Products

The demand for sustainable cleaning products is experiencing rapid, double-digit growth—driven by factors such as: Rising environmental awareness, Increased concern over toxic exposure in homes, Greater transparency via social media and labeling regulations, Millennials and Gen Z becoming dominant market segments.

The global green cleaning products market size was worth around USD 270.89 billion in 2022 a nd is predicted to grow to around USD 430.61 billion by 2030., with North America as a leading region in both adoption and innovation. Consumers are now voting with their wallets, supporting companies that align with their environmental values.

This presents a compelling case not only for sustainable entrepreneurship—but for impact-driven investment.

The Investor's Perspective: Financial Growth Through Eco-Conscious Ventures

The Method acquisition sent a powerful signal to private equity, venture capital, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) funds: investing in green pays off. Me thod showed that with a strong brand story, real environmental innovation, and scalable systems, a green company can deliver: Strong consumer loyalty, Premium price tolerance, Long-term resilience and adaptability, High-value exits.

In a world where climate risk is increasingly seen as financial risk, investors are pivoting toward assets that mitigate environmental harm while meeting market demands. Method is a prime example of how early investment in clean technology and green chemistry can produce outsized returns.

For investors, this sector offers more than altruism—it offers future-proof portfolios.

Supporting the Next Generation of Eco-Brands

Method has blazed a trail, but it’s just the beginning. The green cleaning ecosystem is expanding to include:

Refillable and zero-waste packaging startups, Concentrated cleaning solutions to reduce shipping emissions, AI and data-driven resource optimization in manufacturing, Decentralized, community-based refill stations, Natural disinfectants with lab-verified efficacy

By investing in or supporting these emerging brands, individuals and institutions can: Drive innovation, Reduce global plastic waste, Cut down chemical pollution in water systems, Help combat indoor air pollution, a rising health concern.

This is not just ethical capitalism—it’s strategic foresight.

The Road Ahead: Corporate Responsibility Meets Consumer Power

In the years to come, we will likely see more traditional companies acquiring agile, green-focused startups—just as SC Johnson did with Method. But the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with corporations. Consumers and investors must continue to apply pressure, reward transparency, and champion sustainability—not as an optional feature, but as the new standard.

Method proved that style and substance can coexist, that business success doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense, and that radical change is not only possible—it’s profitable. From Green Niche to Global Necessity. The Method legacy is not just about cleaner homes—it’s about a cleaner future. As green cleaning transitions from novelty to necessity, we are witnessing the emergence of a powerful economic paradigm—where doing good is no longer a cost, but a competitive edge.

Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

Method’s growth was not only driven by its internal innovation and brand vision but also by carefully executed strategic partnerships and acquisitions. In 2012, Method merged with the Belgian company Ecover, a pioneer in ecological cleaning products. This merger marked a pivotal moment in the green cleaning industry, resulting in the creation of the world’s largest green cleaning company at the time. Both companies brought complementary strengths to the table—Method with its bold, design-driven appeal and American market presence, and Ecover with its deep-rooted expertise in European eco-friendly product development and distribution. The union enabled them to pool resources, expand globally, and push the boundaries of sustainable chemistry even further.

The growth trajectory didn’t stop there. In 2017, multinational consumer goods giant SC Johnson acquired both Method and Ecover in a major move that highlighted the rising value of sustainable brands in the mainstream marketplace. For SC Johnson, a company with a longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, acquiring Method was a strategic decision to bolster its green portfolio and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. This acquisition not only brought greater financial and logistical support to Method but also helped accelerate its innovation pipeline and expand its retail presence globally.

Together, these strategic milestones reflect how Method evolved from a niche startup into a global leader in green cleaning. By aligning with like-minded partners and being acquired by a sustainability-focused corporation, Method solidified its position as a transformative force in the consumer products industry—one that proved environmentally conscious business models can thrive on a global scale.

Investing in Green Cleaning Technologies: Opportunities in the USA

The green cleaning industry in the United States is undergoing a dynamic transformation, creating a wealth of opportunities for forward-thinking investors. As consumer consciousness about environmental impact deepens, and as climate change and pollution continue to shape public policy and market behavior, the demand for eco-friendly cleaning solutions is expanding at an unprecedented rate. This shift is not just a cultural movement—it’s a powerful economic trend that is reshaping the household and industrial cleaning sectors from the ground up.

At the core of this evolution is a noticeable change in market trends. Consumers are no longer just looking for products that perform well—they are actively seeking brands that align with their values. A growing segment of the U.S. population now prioritizes sustainability when making purchasing decisions. Whether it's choosing plant-based surface cleaners or seeking out products in recyclable or compostable packaging, this green-conscious behavior is redefining what it means to compete in the cleaning industry. This change is especially evident among Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who expect transparency, ethics, and ecological accountability from the companies they support.

In parallel, regulatory support is further catalyzing the green cleaning movement. Federal and state governments in the U.S. are increasingly introducing policies that encourage environmentally sound manufacturing practices and penalize excessive pollution. From tax incentives for sustainable innovation to stricter rules on hazardous chemical use, the regulatory environment is becoming more favorable for businesses that embrace green chemistry and sustainable operations. These regulatory dynamics create a strong foundation for long-term growth, making the sector attractive to investors seeking both profitability and resilience.

From an investment strategy perspective, there are multiple entry points into the green cleaning sector. One of the most promising is through startups and innovators. These early-stage companies often bring cutting-edge ideas to the market, such as the use of biodegradable surfactants, refillable packaging systems, or plastic-free delivery models. Investing in these disruptors at an early stage can yield high returns, particularly as demand for sustainable alternatives intensifies. Venture capitalists and angel investors who identify the right niche innovators can benefit not only from financial growth but from being part of the next wave of eco-entrepreneurship.

For those seeking lower risk and more stable returns, backing established brands that are actively transitioning their product lines toward sustainability offers another viable route. Many major consumer goods companies—such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and SC Johnson—are investing heavily in the green transformation of their product portfolios. By supporting or partnering with these companies as they scale their eco-conscious offerings, investors can gain exposure to a rapidly growing market without the volatility often associated with startups.

Another compelling area is the backbone of the industry: technology and infrastructure. Innovations that enhance product sustainability—such as energy-efficient manufacturing technologies, non-toxic and biodegradable chemical formulas, waterless cleaning systems, and closed-loop packaging—represent foundational investments that power the entire green economy. Investing in the technologies that enable sustainability at scale can have far-reaching impacts, not only by boosting profits but by reshaping the industry toward a more circular and responsible model.

Ultimately, the U.S. green cleaning industry offers a rare confluence of social relevance, economic potential, and regulatory support. Investors who understand these dynamics and position themselves early in the sector are poised to capitalize on a trend that is both morally imperative and financially rewarding. As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, those who invest in green cleaning technologies today will help shape—and benefit from—the responsible business models of tomorrow.