By FIAT-IFTA Coffin Standard Committee

The funeral industry plays a crucial role in honouring the deceased with dignity, and a significant part of this involves the coffins chosen by families for their loved ones. Coffin standards are essential for ensuring environmental sustainability, compliance with evolving regulations, safety during handling, and maintaining high levels of quality and design. As regulatory frameworks such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and crematorium guidelines become more stringent, adherence to these standards is increasingly important for funeral service providers and manufacturers alike.

One of the most pressing concerns regarding coffins is their environmental impact. Many coffins are made from wood and other biodegradable materials, but unsustainable sourcing can contribute to deforestation and environmental degradation. The EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation), which came into effect to combat deforestation, directly affects the coffin industry by requiring manufacturers to prove that the timber used in their products is legally sourced and does not contribute to deforestation.

This regulation mandates that funeral industry suppliers maintain full traceability of the wood they use, ensuring it comes from sustainable sources even if the coffins are not produced in the EU. As a result, coffin manufacturers must increasingly turn to certified wood (such as FSC or PEFC-certified materials) and consider alternative materials.

Beyond deforestation concerns, the funeral industry also faces pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of cremation. Traditional wooden coffins with metal fittings or synthetic coatings can release harmful pollutants when incinerated. Crematoriums across Europe and in many other parts of the World are enforcing stricter emission controls, prompting a shift towards low-emission, eco-friendly coffins. These coffins avoid toxic varnishes, plastic components, and synthetic glues, helping to minimize the environmental impact of cremation.

Coffin standards are also crucial for ensuring the safety of funeral workers who handle and transport them. Poorly constructed or substandard coffins can pose risks such as breakage, structural failure, or difficulty in carrying. Standards ensure that coffins are built to withstand the weight of the deceased, reducing the risk of accidents during funerals or cremation procedures. For instance, coffins must meet strength requirements to endure transport and burial procedures without risk of collapse.

By enforcing quality control measures, industry standards help protect workers and ensure a dignified process for grieving families.

Read full article in the summer issue of THANOS magazine - you can read online at pages 14-15

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