A groundbreaking new invention in eco-friendly funerals has made its arrival in the UK: mushroom coffins. Yes, that’s right. Developed by Dutch company Loop Biotech, the Loop Living Cocoon is the world’s first “living coffin”. The coffins are crafted from mycelium — the vegetative part of a fungus (like the roots of a plant) — and combined with upcycled hemp fibres.
Mycelium is often referred to as ‘nature’s biggest recycler’, because it continuously transforms dead organic matter into valuable nutrients, feeding both the fungi itself and other organisms living in the soil.
The sustainable coffin alternative is now available nationwide.
How does it work?
The Loop Living Cocoon is grown in just seven days using mycelium and hemp fibres. Once buried, it’s designed to biodegrade within 45 days – not only enriching the soil and supporting new plant life, but also allowing the human remains to return to the earth naturally.
In comparison to conventional coffins or other eco-friendly coffins crafted from wool or willow which can take years to break down, this is a more sustainable approach to funerals.
Founder Bob Hendrikx – a bio-designer from the University of Delft – designed this coffin as a way to “enrich the soil instead of polluting it”.
Can you use them for any funeral?
Since its introduction, the mushroom coffin has been embraced by many UK funeral providers. Poetic Endings, based in London, was the first to offer it and they were closely followed by other providers such as The Natural Burial Company and The Green Funeral Company – all highlighting the environmental benefits and unique aesthetic.
It goes without saying that it’s an ideal choice for natural burials as it meets all the requirements for natural burial grounds. However, it can also be used in traditional burial grounds, local authority cemeteries, or churchyards.
With a cremation, the mycelium doesn’t have the opportunity to work in the ground as it does with a burial, but it’s still worth considering as a greener choice – as the coffin itself generates less carbon emissions during production than coffins made from more traditional materials.
Are they expensive?
The Loop Living Cocoon is priced at around £1,400, which is higher than some other eco-friendly options. However, its positive environmental impact may help justify the cost for those seeking a greener burial.
For those opting for cremation, Loop Biotech offers the ‘Earth Rise Urn’ which is also made from mycelium and decomposes within 45 days when buried.
And if the eco-friendliness of the mushroom coffin wasn’t enough, it’s also beautifully designed with curved edges and in a natural cream colour. Some funeral providers also offer the choice to have the coffin lined with moss and to paint the coffin yourself with messages, patterns, or colours using biodegradable paints.
The introduction of the mushroom coffin in the UK signifies a growing interest in environmentally conscious funeral options. By choosing materials that nourish the earth, people can ensure that their final act is one that contributes positively to the planet.
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