This guide covers the main types of biodegradable coffin available in the UK, what each one costs, and what to consider when choosing one for a natural burial or green funeral. The good news is that eco-friendly coffins are often comparable in price to traditional options, and in many cases they are considerably cheaper. The choice of material makes the biggest difference to cost, so understanding what is available is a helpful first step.
Why does the choice of coffin matter for a green funeral?
Many traditional coffins contain materials that do not break down naturally in the ground. Chipboard and MDF bases, vinyl wrapping, plastic linings, and metal handles and hinges all leave something behind that does not belong in the soil and can be damaging to the environment.
For a natural burial, a fully biodegradable coffin or shroud is not just a preference; it is a requirement. Natural burial grounds only accept coffins made entirely from natural materials that will break down without releasing harmful substances. For a cremation, the environmental impact of the coffin also matters, and some materials are significantly cleaner-burning than others.
Research by Planet Mark found that a vinyl-wrapped MDF coffin produces 32.9kg of CO₂e, compared to just 7.9kg for a cotton shroud and 11.1kg for a solid pine coffin.
The coffin you choose genuinely makes a difference.
Types of biodegradable coffin and their costs
Cardboard Coffins: £100 to £400
Cardboard coffins are the most affordable biodegradable option and are more widely available than many people expect. Made from recycled or sustainably sourced cardboard, they are lightweight, fully biodegradable, and can be personalised with artwork, photographs, or messages written directly on the surface by family and friends.
They are suitable for both natural burial and cremation, though it is worth noting that not all natural burial grounds accept cardboard coffins in wet conditions, as they can be less structurally robust. Always check with the burial ground first. Plain designs typically start from around £100 to £200, while printed or personalised versions can be £300 to £400.
Wicker and Willow Coffins: £400 to £900
Wicker and willow coffins are among the most popular choices for natural burials in the UK. Handwoven from sustainable willow, they are beautiful, warm in appearance, and biodegrade naturally and quickly in the ground. Willow is a fast-growing crop, and some UK suppliers source their willow from British growers, reducing the environmental impact further still.
Prices typically range from £400 to £900 depending on the maker, the size, and the level of craftsmanship involved. Some families also choose to visit the maker and take part in weaving the coffin themselves, which can be a deeply meaningful part of the grieving process.
Wool Coffins: £600 to £1,000
Wool coffins are a distinctly British option, made from compressed natural wool. They are lightweight, fully biodegradable, and soft in appearance. Wool has been used for burial for hundreds of years and is genuinely sustainable as a material, with sheep producing more each year without any harm to the animal.
Prices generally fall between £600 and £1,000. They are suitable for natural burial and cremation alike, and many families are drawn to them for their gentle, natural look.
Solid Wood Coffins: £400 to £1,500+
A solid wood coffin, made from sustainably sourced timber such as pine or oak, is one of the most traditional-looking biodegradable options. Unlike veneered or MDF coffins, a solid wood coffin made without metal fittings or synthetic linings will break down naturally in the ground.
It is important to check that the wood is from a certified sustainable source and that the fittings, such as handles and hinges, are also made from natural or biodegradable materials. Prices vary widely depending on the type of wood and the maker, typically from around £400 for a simple pine design to over £1,500 for a handcrafted oak coffin.
Burial Shrouds: £50 to £300
A shroud is a simple wrap of natural fabric used in place of a coffin entirely. Most are made from organic cotton, linen, or wool. It is the oldest form of burial and the most environmentally gentle option available.
Shrouds are legal for burial in the UK, provided the body is adequately contained, and they are accepted at most natural burial grounds. They are not suitable for cremation. Prices typically range from £50 to £300, making them the most affordable option of all. Many families find them a profoundly simple and fitting choice.
Mushroom Coffins: £1,250+
Mushroom or mycelium coffins are one of the most innovative options now available. Made entirely from natural mycelium (the root network of fungi) and plant materials, they are fully biodegradable and break down remarkably quickly in the ground, often within 45 days, compared to months or years for other materials.
As the mycelium breaks down, it actively enriches the soil around it rather than simply decomposing, supporting the growth of plants and fungi in the burial ground. These coffins are still relatively new to the UK market and are priced at £1,250 and above, but they represent the direction eco-friendly burial is heading and are growing in popularity.
Can you buy a biodegradable coffin directly?
Yes. Many biodegradable coffin makers in the UK sell directly to families as well as to funeral directors, often with UK-wide delivery. Buying directly can reduce the overall cost, as funeral directors sometimes apply a markup to coffins sourced through their own suppliers.
If you are working with a funeral director, you are entitled to supply your own coffin. It is worth asking about this when you first speak to them, particularly if you have found a maker whose work feels right for the person you are saying goodbye to.
Price guide for biodegradable coffins:
- Biodegradable coffins range from around £50 for a shroud to £1,250+ for a mushroom coffin
- Cardboard is the most affordable coffin option, typically £100 to £400
- Wicker and willow coffins are the most popular choice for natural burials, usually £400 to £900
- Wool and solid wood coffins are beautiful, sustainable options in the £400 to £1,500 range
- Shrouds are the most environmentally gentle option and the most affordable, from around £50
- Mushroom coffins are innovative and fast-decomposing, priced from around £1,250
- Natural burial grounds require fully biodegradable coffins with no metal, plastic, or synthetic materials
- You can buy biodegradable coffins directly from makers, often with UK-wide delivery.
Find a biodegradable coffin near you
If you are looking for a biodegradable coffin maker near you, start by searching the Dying to Go Green directory of UK green funeral suppliers, including eco-friendly coffins and shrouds.