I saw these the other day - not the cheeriest topic, I know, but I think it's really important to give it it's due consideration. John has instructions to pop me into one of these when my time comes. Below is their press release...
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WAY
TO GO! WOOL COFFINS LAUNCHED
Two British companies have
got together to launch an innovative new product – woollen coffins. The UK's leading coffin manufacturer,
JC Atkinson and Son, has joined forces with Hainsworth, a Yorkshire-based
speciality textile firm, to produce the new range. The coffins will be manufactured by
Hainsworth at their Leeds mill and distributed throughout the UK by JC
Atkinson. (JC Atkinson
and Son is committed to sound environmental approaches to all aspects of
production, and were awarded the Sunday Times Best Green Company 2008 and the
North East Business Award for Corporate Social Responsibility 2008.)
These beautifully crafted
coffins are made from pure new wool and are supported on a strong, recycled
cardboard frame. All the materials used
are biodegradable and suitable for cremation and all types of burial. To complement the coffins a range of shrouds,
accessories and matching ash caskets are available. Both the coffin and the casket have
personalised embroidered woollen name plates.
The partnership between the
two companies was formed when Hainsworth, a Royal Warrant Holder, which
manufactures textiles for a diverse range of uses from pool and snooker cloth
to the Queen’s Guards Scarlet, had the idea to make a coffin. They approached JC Atkinson who as one of the
leading independent coffin distributors has provided them with a ready-made
route to the funeral director market.
Julian Atkinson, Managing
Director of JC Atkinson said: ““This is an exciting new concept and one that
brings something completely new to the coffin market. For our company, as
winner of the Sunday Times Green Company Award, one of the most important
things is the environmental credentials of the materials. The wool has a truly
green lineage being British, natural, sustainable and biodegradable. The
coffins will carry the British Wool Mark and use 100% British wool. Recycled cardboard is used and all the
materials, including the packaging are biodegradable. As the coffins are
manufactured in Yorkshire, the distribution
costs are minimal and there is the added benefit of boosting a local economy in
a traditional manufacturing sector.
The Hainsworth Coffins range ticks all our boxes as well as allowing us to
bring something new and innovative to the market. Our customers will know that,
however unusual the product, it is backed by our expertise and commitment to
both service and delivery.”
Rachel Hainsworth, Sales
Director of Hainsworth commented: “Hainsworth has 225 years of
expertise in textiles and it was a natural choice for us to partner JC Atkinson
on this exciting new venture. With Julian’s respected reputation and industry
knowledge, and Hainsworth’s textile innovation and manufacturing expertise we
have an exciting new product with a well respected and established sales and
distribution network.
This is an innovative coffin and something completely new for the alternative
coffin market, but the use of wool in burials is nothing new. The Burial in Wool Act of 1667 made it a
legal requirement for the dead to be buried in woollen shrouds in an attempt to
boost the struggling woollen industry of the time. With the current social eco
agenda, rising concerns on the environmental impact of burials and this
innovative product, the industry has come full circle.”
For more information visit www.naturallegacy.co.uk
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