An Interview with Our Newest Sustainable Cookware Brand – TUDI

We’re thrilled to be launching TUDI on Rev! Could you share a bit about the inspiration behind TUDI and how it came to life?

Thank you! We’re just as excited to be launching TUDI on Rev! For a long time, I wanted to put my long-held interest in design to life, but it had to be something meaningful—not just another product for the sake of it. So, I decided to create something based on family tradition and in a material I know very well—cast iron. I knew this material had a lot of potential for cookware; it’s more durable than any other material and was once a staple in every kitchen. In recent decades, however, we got rid of it in exchange for super cheap and low-quality aluminum pans. Since 2021, we’ve been working to bring this vision to life, officially launching our website on July 25th, 2023. Our journey began with a single cast iron pan in two colors—cobalt blue and black, with cobalt blue quickly becoming a core part of our brand identity.

What does sustainability mean to you? 

Sustainability is important to me personally and to the brand. From the very beginning, I had the idea of creating products that are actually needed—rather than creating a need for a new product. I have a love for materials, discovering those that are the most durable and age the best. With high-quality materials, we can create kitchenware that will last for generations. Design is also very important; we don’t follow trends but rather focus on colors and shapes that are classic and timeless. Of course, we also consider every step of our production process—we manufacture in Poland, source everything in the EU, pack only in paper and recycled plastic, and treat sustainability as a continuous effort to improve how we do things.

What sets TUDI apart from other cookware brands? 

What sets us apart is definitely durability. We take the time to deeply explore materials and discover how to use them most efficiently. Currently, we offer cast iron and wood products—oak and walnut—but we plan to introduce more materials to create additional products for the table, both for cooking and serving meals. All of them must be durable and high-quality, with our classic but bold designs. We’ve also taken a different approach to our brand image compared to other cookware brands—we are very active on social media, promoting a lifestyle that stands for coziness, togetherness, and creating memories. We view TUDI not just as products, but as tools to build connections with people. We aim to inspire people to celebrate breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.

Is TUDI cookware all non-toxic? And why is cast iron such a good choice for people concerned about making sure they are cooking with a safe material? 

Our cookware is made from cast iron that is then coated with enamel. Enameling is one of the oldest methods for protecting cast iron and other materials from rust, using natural ingredients like clay and sand. The enamel coating is similar to glass, making our cookware 100% safe for cooking. Unlike popular teflon pans, which can start releasing chemicals into food after about two years of use, enamel-coated cast iron is designed to last a lifetime.

What has been your proudest achievement so far?

I am very happy that in just a little over a year since our launch, we’ve had the chance to experience many great things. We’ve worked with amazing chefs and cooking bloggers, organized fantastic events with beautiful table settings, and were featured early on in Vogue Poland and British Vogue. However, what I am proudest of is definitely how our customers have reacted to the brand—sharing how much they love the products, sending photos, sharing meals, and telling us how they’ve started cooking more.

We love that your products are all made in your home country – was having a localised supply chain important to you? 

Yes, it was very important! Manufacturing locally is always the most sustainable option because it reduces the need for extensive shipping, saving energy that would otherwise be wasted. Moreover, overseeing production that is located far away, often in Asia, is never truly hands-on—it involves video calls, phone calls, and emails. I wanted the opportunity to see the production in person on a daily basis and ensure that the products are made in a good environment by fairly paid workers. Most of our production is done within my family business, with a small portion handled by smaller local suppliers, and I build relationships with all the people involved in the brand.

What challenges have you faced while building TUDI and what lessons have you learned in the process? 

Oh, I learned a lot! I definitely expanded my technical knowledge and learned about materials and all the details that come with them. But I loved the process! I also started cooking more myself, as I find our products really inspiring, and I wasn’t that excited to cook before. Besides, I learned patience—some things just need time. If you want quality, it’s better to wait than to settle for mediocrity.

In an ideal world, where do you see TUDI in 5 years time?

We want to expand our portfolio and share more amazing, though less popular, materials with the world! Of course, all our products will follow the same principles—they need to age well, be of high quality, and serve a functional purpose. We aim to create kitchen staples. In time, we may explore products for rooms beyond the kitchen and dining room, but for now, we want to bring you all along on this journey—exploring our kitchens, improving our cooking skills, and learning how to find more joy in food!

When it comes to food, cooking and the kitchen, what is something we can all do individually, to live a more sustainable lifestyle?

There are definitely many things, but I can share one that I did that started my sustainability journey. I reviewed everything I had in my kitchen and realized that I didn’t need 40% of it. These were items I hadn’t used in months and was unlikely to ever use again. It made me realize how unconscious I had been when buying things for my home. Every product takes resources, and resources are limited, so we really need to think before buying anything. I think the kitchen often accumulates a lot of unnecessary items—like quirky problem solvers that nobody actually uses, such as tools made specifically to peel a mango or a pineapple. Of course, sustainability is a long and complex subject, but I think the most important thing is not to get overwhelmed, but to start somewhere. That kind of realization and self-review is usually a great first step toward becoming more focused on it.

And for a bit of inspiration for all the foodies out there – what’s your favourite nourishing meal to cook using TUDI cookware? 

My favorite is definitely a Sunday morning shakshuka breakfast. I love lazy mornings when there’s time to celebrate food and enjoy time with loved ones. Cast iron is especially great for dishes that involve both frying and baking, like shakshuka. It’s quite simple, but aren’t all our comfort foods simple?