Dutch company Fair Coffins offers coffins made of a cardboard-like material for a more sustainable burial.

Most coffins are made of wood or wood products, which may sound sustainable, but is not necessarily the case. In case of a cremation, the wood is burned with the body, releasing the CO2 that has been captured by the tree during its life. In addition, with more cheaper coffins, the coffins are generally made from laminated wood products like particle board. This lamination is often made of plastic.

Fair Coffins makes its coffins from so-called FairBoard, a FSC certified type of cardboard sheet material made of natural and recycled materials. The folding techniques ensure a lightweight and strong construction. It weighs 13 kg (28 lbs), which is lighter than common wooden coffins, and is biodegradable.

To prevent water damage, the bottom of the coffin features a water repellent aquaboard and the interior bottom is covered with foil made of PLA, which is biobased and composable. The interior is made of organic cotton and jute.

Fair Coffins offers coffins in various sizes and with various prints. The printing of the coffins is done with an ecological ink, which is free of heavy metals and solvents. The ink is dried energy-poor by means of UV light. It is possible to design a customised coffin.

The coffins have been tested for a maximum weight of 275 kg (606 lbs), though a maximum load of 150 kg (330 lbs) is recommended.

The coffin is suitable for cremation and (natural) burials and has been approved by several major Dutch funeral homes. In case of cremation, less gas is necessary and less CO2 is produced. The coffins are made by people with a disability or a distance from the labour market.

Images: Fair Coffin