Information and advice

Biodegradable coffins

Most coffins used today are made of veneered chipboard with plastic handles and linings.

These cause a certain amount of air pollution when they are cremated and the plastic takes a long time to break down into the environment after burial.

An alternative is to use less expensive and more earth-friendly cardboard coffins, or more expensive pure wood or wicker coffins.

Some funeral directors now offer these coffins, or you can get them directly from the following suppliers.

Green Undertakings

The Green Funerals Factory

Swain Street

Watchet

Somerset

TA23 0AG

Tel: 0845 458 5073

Supplies coffins, shrouds and caskets. Also supplies canvas stretchers with handles which are suitable for environmentally friendly green-site funerals and funerals you organise yourself.

Vic Fearn Company Limited|

Crabtree Mill

Hempshill Lane

Bulwell

Nottingham

NG6 8PF

Tel: 01159 771 571

Stocks a range of coffins, some simple and elegant, some unusual and designed by artists. Also stocks recycled timber and 'green' coffins. Coffins can be built to order at short notice.

Compakta Eco-Coffins|

C/o Environ

Parkfield

Western Park

Hinckley Road

Leicester

LE3 6HX

Tel/Fax: 01162 333 566

Compakta Eco-Coffins come in 3 designs can be painted. The coffins are already made when they arrive and overnight delivery can be arranged if needed.

Heaven on Earth|

Kingsley House

18 Upper Laudlin Street

Bristol

BS2 8DJ

Tel: 01179 264 999

Stocks creatively designed coffins which you can use as furniture in your home until needed. Also stocks a range of cardboard and inexpensive coffins.

Greenfield Coffins Limited

Chapel Road

Ridgewell

Essex

CO9 4RU

Tel: 01440 788 866

Fax: 01440 788 877