At a time when most products are built for convenience rather than longevity, Ironclad Pan Co. is bucking the trend, crafting cookware designed to last for generations. With a deep commitment to sustainability, quality, and timeless design, this New Zealand brand is turning everyday cooking into something far more meaningful.
We sat down with the founder of Ironclad to chat about the inspiration behind their heirloom-worthy pans, the importance of generational craftsmanship, and why a well-seasoned skillet might just be the most sustainable item in your kitchen.
From B Corp goals to recipes worth passing down, this is a story about purpose-driven design, thoughtful production, and cooking with heart.
Can you tell us a bit about the story behind the creation of Ironclad, and what inspired you to start the business?
We started Ironclad with the intention of creating a product that would last for generations and be used daily. It had to tick all the boxes: good for you, good for the planet, non-toxic, beautifully designed, and versatile. We wanted to offer something that wasn’t just an object, but a vessel for holding memories and sentimental value.
The concept came from enjoying cookware handed down through my husband’s family, from his grandmother. There’s something special about cooking with the same tools she used. Food is such a central part of life, and shared meals often hold memories and stories that get passed down, along with recipes that become part of a family’s heritage.
Sustainability is at the heart of Ironclad’s ethos. How do you prioritise sustainability in both the production of cookware and beyond?
We’re constantly reviewing our processes and questioning suppliers to ensure our materials are as environmentally friendly as possible. We’re working to increase the percentage of recycled iron across the entire range, not just the Heirloom Pans. We’ve also started our B Corp certification process, which will take some time, but it’s exciting to get underway. Much of what we already do simply needs to be documented more formally.
Our products are at the heart of our ethos, designed to be handed down rather than thrown away. Our cast iron only gets better with age and use. It’s a unique product in that it doesn’t wear out; it improves over time. We call it Generational Shopping. In fact, we’ve had many customers buy two Legacy Pans, one for each child. It’s a different mindset.
We also try to highlight the environmental impact of product longevity. A Teflon-coated pan might last 6 months to a year before ending up in landfill—or worse, if used beyond its life cycle, it may expose you to the coating in your food.
“It’s all about ‘Shop Well. Buy Once.’ Spend now on quality and save in the long run.”
Your Three Generation Guarantee® and 100-year replacement warranty are impressive! Can you talk a bit about why these long-term guarantees reflect your brand’s values and commitment to quality?
We’re so confident in the quality of our products that a Three Generation Guarantee felt like the natural next step. It had to be more than just a lifetime guarantee—the idea is that our products are made to be handed down. Three generations or 100 years covers everything from grandparents to grandchildren. Even our son Elwood is already lining himself up to be the next CEO—so it’s a very family-oriented business!
How do you ensure that your cookware meets global safety standards, especially when many cast iron products on the market fall short?
Great question! There are currently no safety standards for cookware in NZ or Australia, something we’d love to see change. That said, our products meet the highest international standards. In Germany, our cookware complies with LFGB standards, and in the U.S. it meets both FDA regulations and California’s Proposition 65 requirements. We work with world-class foundries that quality test every single pour.
Can you explain the significance of the Recipe Vault?
The Vault is still in development, but the idea is that customers can store their warranty and their recipes in one place. I like to think of it as a digital scrapbook, somewhere you can save favourite recipes and collected scraps, and share them with friends and family.
Eventually, we hope to offer the option to print a book from your Vault. It could become something to hand down along with the pan.
Ironclad’s partnership with KiwiHarvest is an inspiring example of giving back. Can you share more about this partnership and the larger movement to tackle food insecurity?
It’s one of my favourite things about Ironclad, being able to work with inspiring people and organisations. We’re not a big corporate with deep pockets, so our support is more grassroots: helping spread awareness, gifting product, and collaborating on events.
We’ve actioned some pretty exciting initiatives this year, including partnering with KiwiHarvest and Everybody Eats to host a kids’ cooking class.
In your opinion, what do you think makes your cookware stand out from other cast iron products?
I design the products myself after working with chefs and 3D designers. My background is in graphic design, but I’ve always had a passion for product design too. Keeping the shape and form as simple as possible helps it stay timeless and classic. A lot of time, research, and tweaking goes into each piece. I always aim to make our products as multifunctional and versatile as possible. I’m not a fan of excess or single-use tools.
Finally, what are your future goals for Ironclad for 2025 and beyond?
We’ll continue to keep up with best practices in sustainability, refining our designs, and listening to our large, engaged community. They love to tell us what they need, and what they don’t! And as always, keep producing in smaller runs so we can stay agile, with less waste. I have a big catalogue of designs I’d love to bring to life. The new ones are next level in terms of versatility, which is exciting!
Leave a comment