Not half bad: Environmentally friendly burial

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The idea is not new but serious by all means, probably even sustainable but above all characterised by outstanding environmental friendliness: coffins made of packaging cardboard. The reason for this development (European patent pending) is the markedly increased number of cremations and concurrently growing environmental concerns in our society.

The coffin is printed in colours that suggest an unusual advertising gimmick at first. The product, however, is completely serious. These new coffins made of cardboard initially designed for cremations boast a number of advantages over conventional wooden coffins. They are made of “Fibratec”, a cellulose-based material that renders the destruction of high-quality timber superfluous. Furthermore, CO2 emissions released by the cremation process can be cut by up to 75% compared to conventional coffins. Likewise, the costs associated are substantially lower.

Several years ago the “Peace Box” designed in Switzerland already caused a stir: it was an ecological one-piece folding coffin which consisted of 60% chlorine-free, recycled waste paper and only 40% new pulp. Back then it was said that many countries in Europe but also in South America had already realised the environmental benefits of the Peace Box and were using it in high numbers. The Box was the first ecological coffin of cardboard that reached the stage of mass production and global usage.

Now a new model is available: called “Flamea Kremierungssarg” (Coffin for Cremation) it was introduced to the market by Nips Ordnungsysteme, a company known for innovative product solutions in corrugated board. The cardboard coffin consists of a cardbaord fibre composite made of 100% cellulose and has a dead weight of as little as 8.7 kilograms. It is slightly over two metres long, approx. 60 centimetres wide and 50 cm high. With a load bearing capacity of up to 140 kilograms it is said to boast many other benefits in addition to the cost savings. For instance, there are less combustion residues reducing the amount of extraneous ashes in the urn. Despite its reduced dead weight it is reported to be very sturdy and, thanks to the material used, also absolutely environment-friendly, and in fact boasts a neutral eco balance. The inner pan is 100% water-proof made of kaolin-free material. Add to this the scope for design and different looks since this cardboard can be printed in up to 4 colours. There a various motifs to choose from such as “Poppy”, “Rose”, “Wild Flower”, “Icon” or “Classic”. According to the manufacturer it is also possible to customize the design.

In the long term coffins made of cardboard can also be considered for interments. Such graves would stabilize faster thereby allowing plants and gravestones to be set far earlier than is the case with wooden coffins. After some months the material would have decomposed in the soil and after only a few years it would have dissolved completely – without leaving any harmful residues.
Coffins of “simple” packaging material are controversial. While some consider such plain and simple eco coffins to be disrespectful, others clearly focus more on the benefits for our environment. One compelling argument is surely also that in many countries interments in nothing but shrouds have been the custom since time immemorial.

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