CASTRADS RADIATORS
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: CASTRADS AND MAGICAL MUSHROOM COMPANY® PROTECT CUSTOM CAST IRON RADIATORS
CAST IRON RADIATORS
Castrads, a family-run manufacturer of custom cast iron radiators, began on a farm in Cheshire in 2006. Now a multinational company with factories in Manchester and showrooms in London, New York, and Poland, Castrads continues to innovate while prioritising sustainability.
Cast iron is a naturally circular material, and Castrads ensures its radiators are built to last a lifetime. However, the company faced challenges in protecting these high-value products during transit while maintaining their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Castrads partnered with Magical Mushroom Company® to develop Mushroom® Packaging, a biodegradable, recyclable solution that reduces waste, eliminates plastic, and provides robust protection for their radiators.
“WE’VE MADE SIGNIFICANT STEPS TO DISPLACE EPS.”
THE PROBLEM
A PROTECTIVE PACKAGING THAT ELIMINATED FOSSIL-FUEL-BASED PLASTICS
Castrads’ commitment to sustainability was challenged by frequent product damages during transit, which negatively impacted customer satisfaction.
The company sought to eliminate fossil-fuel-based plastics in their packaging while ensuring high-value radiators were protected.
The goal was to find a packaging solution that was durable, biodegradable, and cost-competitive, aligning with their environmental goals.
THE SOLUTION
COMBINING CAD & 3D MODELLING, TO PRODUCE MOULDS FOR PRODUCTION
Magical Mushroom Company® designed custom Mushroom® Packaging for Castrads, using pads that plug into the radiator fins to secure them during transportation.
The packaging was developed using CAD designs and 3D modelling, then manufactured at MMC’s Mushroom 2 facility in Attenborough using upcycled hemp and mycelium.
Rigorously tested for durability through drop, impact, and stress tests, the packaging provided a robust and eco-friendly solution for shipping Castrads’ radiators.
THE RESULT
IMPROVED PROTECTION FOR THEIR PRODUCTS IN TRANSIT, WHILST ELIMINATING PLASTICS
Castrads significantly reduced product damages during transit, improving customer satisfaction and enhancing their reputation for quality.
By transitioning to Mushroom® Packaging, the company eliminated plastics in their supply chain, aligning with customer demand for more sustainable practices.
This partnership demonstrated Magical Mushroom Company®’s ability to deliver high-performance, scalable alternatives to traditional packaging materials, setting a new standard in the industry.
“We engaged with Magical Mushroom Company® following a push from our board to become more sustainable.
Our clients voiced their desire for change, and with the help of MMC, we’ve made significant steps to displace EPS and EPC in our supply chain.”
Nicholas Baylis, CEO, Castrads
