Washington firm goes green with wool coffins

Jul 8 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A COFFIN maker that prides itself on providing a greener goodbye is giving people the opportunity to make their final exit in a casket made from wool.

JC Atkinson’s new addition, which is built on a biodegradable cardboard frame, comes with an embroidered woollen name plate, plus matching shroud and accessories.

The Washington-based company, which makes more than 60,000 caskets annually and is the UK’s biggest coffin manufacturer, teamed up with Leeds textile firm Hainsworth to develop the range.

JC Atkinson, which won a Sunday Times Green Company Award last year after producing coffins made entirely from sustainable timber and installing its own biomass heat and power generator, is taking the lead on providing eco-friendly funerals.

It already produces bamboo, willow and cardboard coffins and managing director Julian Atkinson says the wool version is a perfect fit.

He said: “We wanted something that looked a bit more contemporary, a bit funky. We call it the Country Range – they have a rustic appearance and a contemporary design.