Robert Morphet, managing director of Joseph A.Hey & Son, a four-generation family firm of funeral directors based in Bradford, has designed the new re-usable coffin.
The 'C;offin Cover' is effectively two coffins, one inside the other – a removable cardboard container inside a stylish handmade wooden casket complete with a high-polished veneer finish, brass handles, and a satin lining. The whole coffin is taken to the graveside or crematorium, but at the appropriate time the traditional-style outer casket is discreetly folded up and taken away to be re-used.
 Robert Morphet shows off his re-usable coffin design |
Mr Morphet explained: “A coffin is an emotional symbol of a friend or relative who has died. We have deliberately set out to ensure the external coffin cover is traditional in appearance, and dignified, and is affordable.
“Since we introduced it, over 60% of families have decided to use the design and the positive feedback we have received from the website has been impressive.”
As well as saving on materials, the system saves on costs for the bereaved. The cardboard coffin costs just 50, compared to at least 200 for a basic wooden casket, and includes a pillow support and the required identification tags. Buyers do not have to pay for the outer casket, because the funeral directors re-use it.
Mr Morphet added: “For many people the thought of spending a lot of money on something that's going to be cremated is a waste. The idea of having a traditional-looking exterior, with a simple and practical environmentally-friendly coffin inside, is probably the way forward for funerals in the future.”
There is currently a patent pending for the Coffin Cover and Mr Morphet is considering selling his product to other funeral directors.
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