Biodegradable Coffins

About Biodegradable Coffins

Biodegradable coffins are an increasingly popular choice, particularly for natural burials and eco-friendly funerals. Made from renewable materials, their handcrafted designs provide a simple yet beautiful tribute to a loved one while minimizing environmental impact.

Transporting a wicker coffin at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground

Inspiration for Biodegradable Coffins

There are many different types of biodegradable coffin. The time they take to degrade will depend on a number of factors, for example the material from which they are made and burial conditions, such as depth. Here are some of the options:

Willow Coffins

Biodegradable wicker coffins are crafted using woven natural plant materials such as willow, rattan, seagrass, or bamboo. They are lightweight yet durable, offering a soft, organic appearance. Often made by artisans from locally sourced materials, these beautiful willow coffins are a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.

The weaving process creates a sturdy structure that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Wicker coffins are known for their gentle and rustic look, making them a fitting choice for those who appreciate natural beauty.

To find out more and to see lots of images, please go to our Inspiration Wicker and Willow page.

A beautiful handwoven willow coffin crafted by Wegnalls Willow

Willow coffin topped with locally sourced flowers by Woven Farewell Coffins — A wicker coffin made by Woven Farewell Coffins, adorned with beautiful seasonal flowers

Bamboo Coffins

Bamboo is a very fast-growing, sustainable and renewable material. Coffins can be woven from split bamboo, or have a sturdy wooden frame with bamboo panels.

Bamboo coffin with a wooden frame supplied by JC Atkinson — Bamboo panels with a wooden frame, supplied by JC Atkinson

Cardboard Coffins

Cardboard coffins are an ecologically sound option for a burial or a cremation. Plain cardboard coffins are inexpensive and can be decorated by family and friends with drawings, photos and tributes.

A wood-effect cardboard coffin by Parley Green

There are a wide range of designs and options, including wood-effect coffins that look just like the real thing, or customised coffins printed with photographs and images.

For more information about cardboard coffins, please go to our Inspiration Cardboard Coffins page.

Wool Felt Coffins and Woollen Coffins

Wool felt coffins are made using felted sheep’s wool, which is strong, sustainable and biodegradable. They are beautifully soft and tactile and can be plain or decorated.

A wool felt shroud by Bellacouche, with a leaf motif cover

Combining wicker and wool, this beautiful coffin is made by the Woollen Cwtch Coffin Company

To learn more about wool felt coffins and how they are made, and to see a wide range of styles and designs, please go to our Inspiration Wool Felt and Cotton Shrouds page.

Funeral Shrouds

Biodegradable shrouds are usually made of cotton, linen, hemp or wool felt. For some faiths, a simple white shroud is customary, but others may choose to decorate the shroud. Shrouds are light-weight and tend to be less expensive than a traditional coffin.

A decorative image on a covering by Shrouds & Ashes, made using sunlight in a process known as cyanotype

To find out more about how these shrouds are made and to see some of the different options available, please go to our Wool Felt and Cotton Shrouds Inspiration page.

Mushroom Coffins

There are a number of people around the world developing mushroom shrouds and coffins. The first coffin made from mushrooms is now available in the UK. It harnesses the power of mushrooms and mycelium to create a beautiful, tactile and environmentally friendly cocoon coffin. The coffin takes just 7 days to grow and biodegrades in as little as 45 days, enriching and enhancing the quality of the soil in the process.

Filled with moss or a hemp lining, Loop’s mushroom coffin can be used for a traditional or natural burial or cremation. Available through JC Atkinson, Poppy’s, Poetic Endings and a number of other suppliers.

Eco-friendly Wooden Coffins

Some suppliers offer eco-friendly wooden coffins. Made using recycled or sustainably sourced wood and lined with hessian or calico, the finishes and coffin furniture are also biodegradable with, for example, rope handles and a wooden nameplate.

A simple European pine coffin supplied by JC Atkinson

The Benefits of a Biodegradable Coffin or Shroud

There are many benefits of biodegradable Coffins and Shrouds, including:

Eco-friendly – they reduce the carbon footprint associated with coffins made from wood, metal, or other materials that either don’t degrade or do so more slowly.
Faster decomposition – because the coffins degrade quickly, the body is returned to the earth more quickly and naturally.
Reduced pollution – by avoiding synthetic materials (for example plastic linings or metal handles) they reduce the amount of waste and pollution left in the environment.

Find Further Helpful Information About Choosing a Coffin or Shroud

To find out more about choosing a coffin or shroud, please go to Information about Choosing a Coffin, Urn or Shroud.

Or for comprehensive information about planning a funeral or celebration of life, please see whiteballoon’s Funeral Planning Information.

Find Coffin and Shroud Suppliers in the whiteballoon Community

If you would like to find suppliers of coffins and shrouds, please go to our Provider Directory for Coffins, Urns & Ashes.