Biodegradable Coffin Options UK
What biodegradable coffin options are available in the UK?
Five main types: cardboard (£200-£400, most affordable), wicker/willow (£400-£800, traditional appearance), bamboo (£500-£900, sustainable and strong), wool (£600-£1,000, British-made), and shrouds (£50-£200, most natural). All fully biodegradable, required for natural burial, accepted at most crematoria. No metal, varnish, or synthetic materials allowed. 60-70% cheaper than traditional coffins.
- Cardboard: £200-£400, customisable, lightweight, eco-friendly
- Wicker/willow: £400-£800, handcrafted, beautiful natural look
- Bamboo: £500-£900, sustainable, strong, modern aesthetic
- Wool: £600-£1,000, unique, British materials, soft
- Shroud: £50-£200, simplest option, cotton or linen
- Required for: All natural burial sites, optional for cremation
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Biodegradable coffins are essential for green funerals and natural burials. Made from sustainable materials like cardboard, wicker, bamboo, wool, or willow, they decompose naturally without releasing harmful chemicals. This guide compares all UK biodegradable coffin options, costs, suppliers, and helps you choose the right eco-coffin for your needs.
- Biodegradable coffins cost £200-£1,000 vs £500-£3,000 traditional
- Required for all natural burial sites in the UK
- Accepted at most crematoria (check specific requirements)
- Must contain no metal, varnish, or synthetic materials
- Decompose naturally within months to years
- Available from specialist suppliers and funeral directors
Cardboard coffins
Most affordable and customisable option
Made from recycled or sustainable cardboard, these coffins are lightweight, environmentally friendly, and can be personalised with artwork, photos, or decorations.
Advantages
- ✓ Most affordable (£200-£400)
- ✓ Fully customisable
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to carry
- ✓ Made from recycled materials
- ✓ Decomposes quickly (3-6 months)
- ✓ Widely available
Considerations
- • Simple appearance (unless decorated)
- • May not suit traditional preferences
- • Less robust than wooden coffins
- • Cannot support heavy floral displays
Cardboard coffin pricing:
- Basic plain cardboard£200-£300
- Printed design cardboard£300-£400
- Custom decorated cardboard£350-£500
Where to buy cardboard coffins:
- Greenfield Coffins: Wide range of customisable designs
- Eco Coffins UK: Recycled cardboard options
- Your funeral director: Most now stock cardboard options
- Direct suppliers: Order online for DIY funerals
Wicker and willow coffins
Traditional natural appearance
Handwoven from sustainable wicker or willow, these coffins offer a beautiful, traditional look while being completely biodegradable. Often chosen for their aesthetic appeal.
Advantages
- ✓ Beautiful natural appearance
- ✓ Traditional coffin shape
- ✓ Handcrafted quality
- ✓ Sustainable materials
- ✓ Sturdy and dignified
- ✓ Suitable for viewing
Considerations
- • More expensive (£400-£800)
- • Heavier than cardboard
- • Limited customisation
- • Longer decomposition (1-2 years)
Wicker/willow coffin pricing:
- Standard willow coffin£400-£600
- Premium wicker coffin£600-£800
- Bespoke handwoven£800-£1,200
Where to buy wicker/willow coffins:
- The Somerset Willow Company: British-grown willow
- Natural Endings: Range of wicker options
- Musgrove Willows: Handcrafted Somerset willow
- Local funeral directors: Often stock or can order
Bamboo coffins
Sustainable and strong modern option
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials available, growing rapidly without pesticides. Bamboo coffins are strong, attractive, and biodegradable.
Advantages
- ✓ Highly sustainable material
- ✓ Strong and durable
- ✓ Modern aesthetic appeal
- ✓ Fully biodegradable
- ✓ Lightweight yet sturdy
- ✓ Smooth finish
Considerations
- • Mid-range cost (£500-£900)
- • May be imported (check origin)
- • Less traditional appearance
- • Limited local suppliers
Bamboo coffin pricing:
- Standard bamboo coffin£500-£700
- Premium bamboo with lining£700-£900
- Decorative bamboo£800-£1,000
Wool coffins
Unique British-made option
Made from compressed British wool, these innovative coffins are completely biodegradable and support UK farming. Unique soft appearance.
Advantages
- ✓ Unique material and appearance
- ✓ British-made supporting UK farmers
- ✓ Excellent insulation properties
- ✓ Soft, dignified look
- ✓ Fully biodegradable
- ✓ Natural lanolin scent
Considerations
- • Most expensive option (£600-£1,000)
- • Limited availability
- • Unusual appearance may not suit all
- • Fewer suppliers
Wool coffin pricing:
- Standard wool coffin£600-£800
- Premium wool with extras£800-£1,000
Where to buy wool coffins:
- Hainsworth: The main UK wool coffin manufacturer
- Green funeral directors: Can order from Hainsworth
- Natural burial sites: Some stock or recommend
Shrouds
The most natural and affordable option
Simple fabric wrapping made from natural cotton or linen. The most minimal and environmentally friendly choice, returning directly to the earth.
Advantages
- ✓ Most affordable (£50-£200)
- ✓ Minimal environmental impact
- ✓ Fastest decomposition
- ✓ Lightest weight
- ✓ Most natural option
- ✓ Historical precedent
Considerations
- • Very simple appearance
- • Not suitable for cremation
- • May not suit all cultural traditions
- • Requires burial board for support
- • Not all sites accept shrouds
Shroud pricing:
- Basic cotton shroud£50-£100
- Premium linen shroud£100-£200
- Shroud with burial board£150-£300
Comparison table: Which biodegradable coffin is right for you?
| Material | Cost | Appearance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | £200-£400 | Simple, customisable | Budget-conscious, personalisation |
| Wicker/Willow | £400-£800 | Traditional, beautiful | Traditional preference, viewing |
| Bamboo | £500-£900 | Modern, smooth | Sustainability focus, strength |
| Wool | £600-£1,000 | Unique, soft | British-made, unique choice |
| Shroud | £50-£200 | Minimal, natural | Maximum simplicity, lowest cost |
Environmental certifications to look for
When choosing a biodegradable coffin, look for these certifications and standards:
- FSC certification: For wooden components (ensures sustainable forestry)
- ISO 14001: Environmental management standard
- No toxic materials: Confirm no formaldehyde, varnishes, or synthetic glues
- Natural Death Centre approval: Listed suppliers meet eco standards
- Association of Natural Burial Grounds: Approved materials list
- Crematorium acceptance: Check if intended for cremation
Choosing the right biodegradable coffin
Biodegradable coffin selection checklist
- Check burial site or crematorium requirements
- Determine budget (£200-£1,000 range)
- Consider appearance preferences (traditional vs modern)
- Research suppliers and check delivery times
- Verify all materials are biodegradable
- Ask about customisation options if desired
Choosing your biodegradable coffin
All biodegradable coffin options return to the earth naturally, but each offers different aesthetics, costs, and characteristics. Consider your budget, the burial site requirements, and what feels most appropriate for your loved one when making your choice.
For complete guidance on planning an eco-friendly funeral, see our green funeral planning guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do biodegradable coffins cost in the UK?
Biodegradable coffins cost £200-£1,000 depending on material. Cardboard coffins are most affordable (£200-£400), wicker/willow cost £400-£800, bamboo £500-£900, wool £600-£1,000, and shrouds £50-£200. This is 60-70% cheaper than traditional coffins which cost £500-£3,000.
What are biodegradable coffins made from?
Biodegradable coffins are made from natural materials: cardboard (recycled or sustainable), wicker or willow (handwoven), bamboo (sustainable fast-growing), wool (compressed British wool), or shrouds (cotton/linen fabric). All decompose naturally without releasing harmful chemicals. No metal, varnish, or synthetic materials are used.
Are biodegradable coffins accepted at crematoria?
Most UK crematoria accept biodegradable coffins, but check specific requirements beforehand. Cardboard, wicker, willow, bamboo, and wool coffins are generally accepted. Shrouds are typically only suitable for burial, not cremation. Some crematoria have restrictions on handles or linings, so always verify with your chosen crematorium.
Which biodegradable coffin is best for natural burial?
All biodegradable coffins work for natural burial, but shrouds (£50-£200) have the fastest decomposition and minimal environmental impact. Cardboard (£200-£400) offers best value with quick decomposition. Wicker/willow (£400-£800) provides traditional appearance. Choice depends on budget, aesthetics, and burial site requirements.
Where can I buy biodegradable coffins in the UK?
Purchase biodegradable coffins from specialist suppliers (Greenfield Coffins, Eco Coffins UK, Somerset Willow Company), most funeral directors (who can order or stock them), natural burial sites (some have partnerships with suppliers), or order directly online for DIY funerals. Natural Death Centre maintains a list of approved suppliers.
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