In this compelling episode of The Redesign of Everything, host Louise Nash dives into a conversation about craftsmanship, sustainability, and the art of creating objects that stand the test of time.

Our guests, Levi and Kate Slavin, are the passionate founders of Ironclad Co., New Zealand’s premier cast-iron cookware brand.

Their mission? To challenge the disposable nature of modern consumption by designing cookware that lasts for generations.

Why You Should Tune In:

• What inspired the creation of Ironclad Co.? Levi shares a deeply personal story and how it sparked the idea for a brand that prioritises longevity over disposability.
• What does it take to design a product that lasts 100 years? Kate walks us through the meticulous design process behind Ironclad’s signature cookware, her process and the partnerships she has nurtured along the way, ensuring each piece is not only functional but irreplaceable.
• How can businesses be both sustainable and scalable? The Slavins reveal the challenges of growing a purpose-led brand while staying true to their commitment to craftsmanship.
• What role does emotional connection play in product design? Discover why Ironclad cookware isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating family heirlooms that hold deep sentimental value.
• Is castiron really the most sustainable cookware choice? Learn the fascinating environmental benefits of cast iron and why it’s making a comeback in modern kitchens.
• How does Ironclad’s Three Generation Guarantee™ redefine product ownership? We explore how this revolutionary business model challenges planned obsolescence and encourages a shift towards circular consumption.
• What was the motivation behind Ironclad and what can no longer ‘unsee'? Levi and Kate discuss how thoughtful design can influence consumer behavior, shifting mindsets from “buy and replace” to “invest and cherish.”
• What’s next for Ironclad? From their innovative Planet Safe Knives, crafted from ocean-recovered fishing nets, to their ambitions for setting a new industry standard, the Slavins share their vision for the future.
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This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on how we interact with the objects in our daily lives.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can gain more by creating less, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Tune in now to hear the full conversation on The Redesign of Everything!

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Join Louise Nash and Samantha Walmsley-Bartlett in this podcast episode of 'The Redesign of Everything'  where they talk with Mikayla Plaw; Executive Director and Organisational Development & Sustainability of Profile Group to share how finding a partner light the path forward was a pivotal moment in her journey to delivering circular outcomes within the nine businesses of Profile Group. 

This conversation breaks down their collaboration with the Circularity team, which resulted in multiple circular solutions to the complex challenges of manufacturing waste. Specifically the use of single use packaging within their businesses for transportation of aluminium and how shifting to a reusable alternative has not only reduced emissions and waste, but also cost.

 ‘In order to make change quicker and more effective in your businesses you really need to go to experts that do this day in and day out’ - Mikayla Plaw.

This month on the Redesign of Everything, we explore how we can best commercialise the circular economy opportunity in Aotearoa. One key insight is how finding the people who are just as passionate in tackling the same issues, and you’ll have a coalition of the willing, ready to have your back. Our time with Mikayla has proven that partnerships and investing in trialling and testing of solutions is the key to building long term circular pathways.

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Joining us today is Alec Tang who is the Director of Sustainability at Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities, a real-life Transformation Catalyst here today with us talking about the redesign of everything.

Now, we have known Alec for some time now. I first met Alec on the side of a street in downtown Tamaki when I was introduced to him when I had just started out at Circularity and it was indicated to me that Alec was someone to watch and they were not wrong at the time he was leading the Council’s Chief Sustainability Office …and overseeing the finalisation and adoption of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan.

Alec believes like many of that… “we need to move to an economy that is more regenerative, that is fairer and more distributive, that better recognises the finite nature of the natural resources that we are reliant on. 

Now there is really so much to share about Alec, but just to cover a few….he is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (FIEMA). He has spent the bulk of his career developing and delivering innovative sustainability solutions across business, academia and the public sector. Most recently, Alec’s work has been focused on the creation of low-carbon, resilient and equitable urban environments. He is recognised as one of the inaugural Top Voice on LinkedIn for social impact across Australia and NZ. Is the Advisory Board Chair for the Auckland Climate Festival and also is a really engaging lecturer on sustainable business at Auckland University of Technology. I have heard from many of his students who have been inspired to follow his footsteps after hearing him speak. He is uber famous for his twitter feed which is largely street videos and photography shot while he cycles his way around Tamaki including near misses from cars. 

Much of Alec’s work centers around how we can design our urban environments to promote low emissions choices and the delivery of inclusive, regenerative ways of living. Why is this important? 

Two-thirds of us will be living in urban areas by 2050. Despite taking up just 2 per cent of global landmass, our urban centres consume more than 75 percent of natural resources, are responsible for over 50 percent of solid waste and emit up to 60 percent of greenhouse gases, contributing to pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. 

Today we are going to be getting to know Alec and exploring…What does the future of the urban environment look like? And how do we get there? 

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