Transatlantic crossing for wool coffins
AN environmentally friendly and cost-conscious coffin made entirely of British wool is set to be sold in the US.
Hainsworth, the Leeds-based textile manufacturer behind the innovative product, said that samples were due to be shipped to US distributors any time now and that expectations for orders were high.
Vicki Mellor, Hainsworth’s marketing manager, said that the wool coffin concept was already proving exceptionally popular in the UK despite only being launched a few months ago.
The coffins were launched with the market expertise of and in partnership with JC Atkinson and Son – the UK’s largest coffin manufacturer and distributor.
Hainsworth is already looking to expand the range to include a children’s coffin following high levels of interest and a number of orders.
“I think parents like the look of a soft little box rather than a wooden coffin,” she said.
“Since we launched the wool coffin in June things have gone a bit crazy. We’re now just about to send samples to the US and expect the same kind of response.”
The coffins are made from British wool – mainly Dorset Horn – offering extra income to local sheep farmers.
Ms Mellor said that despite their look the wool coffins, which are made of recycleable carboard inner organic cotton and wool outer casing, are extremely strong with an adult sized coffin capable of carrying a 43 stone adult. The coffins are also able to cremated.
“As far as we know we’ve produced the first wool coffin,” she continued.
“As well as appealing to those who want to be more environmentally responsible the coffins are also affordable with an average adult coffin costing around £600.”
Hainsworth, which celebrated its 225th anniversary last year, has recently undergone reorganisation that has seen it consolidate its 11 operating divisions into four and diversification into new markets.
The £15m turnover seventh generation family-owned firm is famous for manufacturing high quality textiles and has a work force of around 200 staff.
