Cardboard coffins an eco-friendly and cheaper alternative
A Durban company has turned death into an eco-friendly experience. Glen Miller, founder of Ecologico Cardboard Coffins, which makes cardboard coffins and scatter ash urns, believes we should “leave behind a lighter footprint” on the planet.
The concept of cardboard coffins is gaining a following and Ecologico was established in 2014 when Mr Miller and a friend came up with the idea of making coffins from cardboard.
“These coffins are extremely durable, and the design models have been weight tested to carry up to 220kg. Custom cardboard grade is used, it is extremely strong and well suited to the funeral industry which requires coffins to be refrigerated for several days while they are in use. We did a lot of testing, design tweaks and changes, consulted with a few undertakers - to create the best product we could offer them,” said Mr Miller.
The cardboard coffins can be used for cremations or burials. When cremated, the coffins burn at a far quicker rate than chipboard or wood coffin. Mr Miller said this increases the efficiency of the cremation process as there is less material matter to be burned. He added that the coffins also produce far less harmful environmental gases (carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide) - reducing air pollution.
“When buried in the ground, cardboard is biodegraded in as little as two months, under optimum conditions. This would depend on soil moisture, temperature and microbial content.
“The model is 100% biodegradable, the benefit of a cardboard coffin is decomposition of a grave site is far more natural,” said Mr Miller.
“This has several benefits such as reduction in hazardous compounds that would normally permeate into ground water sources. Grave sites can be re-used for another burial far more quickly and these coffins will improve capacity at cemeteries over a long period of time.”
Ecologico, is based in Pinetown, Durban. They also manufacture cardboard scatter ash urns, which are sold at funeral homes and undertakers. The company supplies directly to funeral homes in South Africa. This business has created employment opportunities for people in the surrounding area.
“We make two general coffin sizes – a standard size and an oversize. There are two lid variations. One is a more economical option, and the other is designed for more durability and was quite popular during the Covid-19 pandemic and for burial use,” said Mr Miller.
“We have tried to market printed and colourful design options but found that printing adds a considerable cost to the product. It also takes away the economic value point of our product. So, we have stuck to the brown kraft aesthetic appeal of natural cardboard.”
Mr Miller said the company tag line, “leave behind a lighter footprint”, is meant to encourage families to be conscious about our environment. He said people should choose low impact, environmentally friendly options for burial and contribute to the sustainability of our planet earth.
Sally Swart, of Morningside, said she thought the idea of cardboard coffins was a good one.
“I wouldn’t mind one of those coffins. I think it’s a wonderful idea. I would rest in peace, knowing I made less of a carbon footprint in my cardboard coffin,” said Ms Swart.
Masie Ndlovu, of Durban North, said traditionally the dead should be buried as best their family can afford.
Reservoir Hills resident, Gita Singh, also felt cardboard coffins are an excellent choice.
“I think it’s a lovely alternative and one I would consider as a cremation option. We need to think about our environment – it's what we will be leaving behind for our children,” said Ms Singh.
