Royal fabric supplier launches woollen coffins

The British fabric supplier behind Prince William and Prince Harry’s wedding suits is branching out into the burial business too, with a new line of woollen coffins.

Yorkshire-based mill AW Hainsworth, which clothes the Royal Family at ceremonial events, launched the new line in response to “dissatisfaction at traditional caskets”, reports Bradford newspaper the Telegraph & Argus.

Conventional wooden coffins appear “angular and unapproachable to grieving family members”, while woollen coffins “encourage grievers to approach and connect with their lost loved one”, according to the company.

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AW Hainsworth marketing manager Julie Greenough said: “We are finding that family and loved ones find them to be very comforting, they’re not as scary looking.”

The woollen coffins are “also completely biodegradable, which is very important in this day and age”, she added.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the coffins “will rot naturally into the ground after burial” and can be “cremated without releasing noxious smoke”.

Each coffin is made from three whole sheep fleeces, with an MDF base board, a cardboard frame and a cotton lining, and costs £900.

The idea “goes back to the 17th century, when the deceased had to be buried in wool in an attempt to boost the industry”, says the Telegraph & Argus.

Similar coffins have been created as far away as Australia, with News.com.au reporting earlier this year on the growing popularity of natural burials featuring caskets made from felted wool, woven wicker or cardboard.