1. The Birth of an Idea
In the winter of 2018, an idea was born: to create an organic waste bin that makes sorting food waste simple and hassle-free. A bin that would eliminate the usual inconveniences of collecting organic waste, including the unwanted visitors that sometimes come with it. Our founders' goal was to encourage more households to separate their organic waste, a habit that is still often overlooked.
After a technical feasibility study, our engineers identified vacuum technology as the solution. This preservation method offered exactly the properties needed to achieve our objective.
Behind this innovative idea lay a major engineering challenge: how could a compact kitchen bin incorporate a vacuum system without requiring electricity?
The very first Mint prototype combined premium materials, refined design, and a sophisticated mechanical structure. Thanks to this concept, we were selected as finalists for the 2018 HES-SO Innovation Award.
While the jury appreciated the technical innovation, early users were less convinced. During the first tests, some even compared it to a radio. The concept failed to communicate that it was an organic waste bin. At the same time, production cost estimates proved far too high for a young startup. It was clear that the concept needed to be redesigned.
2. An Idea Takes Shape
By September 2019, the technology was working. The next challenge was designing the bin itself.
We wanted a product that was attractive, ergonomic, durable, and functional, while also meeting the technical requirements associated with food waste, manufacturing, and long-term durability.
The vacuum mechanism included a round piston, which naturally led us to design a round bin—a bold and unconventional concept in the world of kitchen compost bins.
The idea divided our testers. While many liked the round shape, others quickly pointed out that round bins don't fit neatly into the corner of a kitchen.
It was back to the drawing board to create what would eventually become Mint.
3. The Birth of Mint
Transforming a round bin into a square one represented a significant engineering achievement, allowing us to integrate our vacuum system into a more practical design.
In November 2019, the first supporters backed the project and purchased Mint: a unique organic waste bin equipped with vacuum technology.
Since then, Mint has continued to evolve. The technology remains the same, as does its overall shape, with a series of subtle improvements over time.
After several additional design iterations, Mint became the product delivered to customers in 2020. Following the crowdfunding campaign came the next major milestone: industrialization. Bringing Mint into production required solving numerous technical and manufacturing challenges.
4. Mint Becomes a klode° Brand
After the first 4,000 Mint bins, the product was continuously refined to reach the level of quality it offers today.
Mint remains unique: it is the only organic waste bin on the market equipped with a manual vacuum system.
To date, more than 5,000 users have adopted Mint.
Will you be next?