It’s a sad fact that cremation of most coffins used in the UK today is bad for the environment as well as for human health. Research has found that more than 80,000 tonnes of carbon emissions were released by crematoriums in 2020, adding to the already dangerous levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

One regional study even found that cremations in Cumbria created as much pollution as a car driven for more than 7.5 million miles. But with the number of cremations increasing in the UK (80% of all funerals are already cremations), this impact on the environment looks set to worsen. However, the damage isn’t just limited to the environment.

Approximately 85% of coffins are made from lacquered MDF and particle board, and use glue and resin in their construction, all of which release dangerous gases into the atmosphere when they are burnt.In high doses, these gases – including nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide - are harmful to humans and can cause severe long-term health conditions, and even death.

In addition, most coffins also use single use plastic handles, with more than 3 million burnt each year during cremation ceremonies, adding to the environmental and health damage caused by the funeral industry. Even many cardboard coffins which are considered better for the environment and human health have been found to be toxic when burned, with some containing clay.

More than 18 million trees are also used each year for the construction of traditional coffins, resulting in more than 1 million acres of forest being cleared every 10 years.

Lifelia was established to help combat these escalating risks, rather than using MDF and particle board (that are constructed using a glue that contains formaldehyde which is carcinogenic), we use a material called Pro-Origin Board that looks and feels exactly like wood used in traditional coffins.

The board is made from wood fibres which are 100% sustainably sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved plantations in Sweden and are biodegradable and recyclable. And unlike most coffins used around the world, Lifelia coffins are constructed without glue or any harmful waxes or resins, and don’t use plastic handles, meaning that when they are burnt, the impact is minimal.

With the increasing trend for coffins to be personalised, Lifelia also uses environmentally friendly green inks to create custom designs on any coffin. The company also offsets its own carbon footprint and works hard to ensure that every stage of the production process results in net zero emissions.  At the time of loss, coffins may be the last thing you want to think about but knowing the one you choose is less damaging to the environment is a lasting tribute that shows you care.