Wicker Coffin: A Natural, Beautiful, and Sustainable Farewell

As more people seek environmentally conscious and meaningful ways to say goodbye, wicker coffins have become a popular and beautiful alternative to traditional hardwood or veneered options. Handwoven, natural, and fully biodegradable, wicker coffins offer both elegance and environmental care.

In this article, we explore what a wicker coffin is, how it’s made, where the material comes from, and why it’s such a thoughtful choice for eco-friendly funerals and natural burials.

A wicker coffin is a biodegradable coffin made from handwoven natural materials such as willow, rattan, bamboo, or seagrass. The structure is often built around a natural wood or bamboo frame, giving it both strength and flexibility.

Wicker coffins are entirely natural, chemical-free, and decompose gently into the earth, making them ideal for green burials, woodland funerals, or eco-conscious cremations.

They are often chosen for their:

• Soft, woven appearance

• Lightweight construction

• Sustainability

• Connection to traditional craftsmanship

Wicker coffins are typically made by skilled artisans using techniques that have been passed down through generations. The process is both labour-intensive and deeply respectful, creating a truly personal and handmade item.

Common wicker materials include:

• Willow – Fast-growing, highly sustainable, and grown across the UK and Europe. Willow can be harvested annually without harming the plant, making it one of the most renewable materials available.

• Rattan – A vine-like plant from tropical regions, often used for its strength and flexibility.

• Bamboo – Strong, lightweight, and one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth.

• Seagrass – A natural marine plant dried and woven into soft-textured, earthy designs.

The coffin base is usually reinforced with natural timber or bamboo slats, ensuring it can support the required weight while remaining fully biodegradable.

Choosing a wicker coffin is about more than appearance—it’s a statement of care, simplicity, and sustainability.

Environmentally Friendly

Wicker coffins are 100% biodegradable and made without metal, plastic, or toxic glues. They break down naturally and gently, nourishing the soil and leaving no lasting trace.

Sustainable Material

Willow, bamboo, and rattan are all fast-growing and highly renewable. Willow, in particular, can be coppiced (cut down to regrow) year after year, helping reduce deforestation and protect native habitats.

Handcrafted and Unique

Each wicker coffin is handmade, making it a one-of-a-kind tribute. Families often appreciate the natural beauty and human touch in every weave.

Suitable for Burial and Cremation

Wicker coffins are widely accepted at natural burial grounds and by UK crematoriums, especially those approved by the FFMA (Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers' Association).

Personal Touches

Many families choose to decorate wicker coffins with wildflowers, linen linings, or handwritten messages woven into the sides—creating a heartfelt, personal farewell.

Yes. Although they look delicate, wicker coffins are surprisingly strong and sturdy. Most are tested to carry up to 23–25 stone (146–159 kg) and meet UK funeral standards for both burial and cremation.

They undergo strength testing by organisations such as:

• FFMA (Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers' Association)

• CCSA (Coffin, Casket and Shroud Association)

These tests include weight-bearing, drop, impact, and cremator compatibility—so you can be confident in their safety and reliability.

A wicker coffin offers a soft, natural, and sustainable farewell—one that reflects respect for both the person and the planet. Whether chosen for a woodland burial or an environmentally aware cremation, it provides a beautiful alternative to traditional coffins.

For many families, a wicker coffin represents not just an eco-friendly choice, but a gentle statement of simplicity, beauty, and care.

Search our Directory ➜ Natural Burial Sites Near Me