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Welcome to Outside The Box Caskets

Not Everyone Wants a Traditional Send-Off​

Made in New Zealand from 100% biodegradable, recycled cardboard. No plastic. No metal. No MDF. Just clean design, honest materials, and a lighter footprint on the planet.

our purpose

We are all trying to minimise our impact on the planet by being mindful about the waste we create. But what about when we die?

We designed Outside The Box Caskets so you can leave a legacy, not a footprint.
Our cardboard caskets are 100% biodegradable, made from sustainable and recyclable materials.

Our cardboard caskets contain no plastic, no metal, and no nasties, just a kinder, more sustainable option than traditional timber or MDF caskets and cremation boxes.

our casket range

Custom cardboard casket in NZ with personalised photo lid design by Outside The Box Caskets.

Custom Caskets

Create a truly unique tribute – custom printed lids from your photos, art or themes.

Printed eco coffin in New Zealand with vibrant tropical floral lid design.

Printed Caskets

A collection of ready-to-order printed casket lids, printed directly onto natural kraft board for a warm, natural finish. 

Plain kraft cardboard coffin in NZ for DIY or natural funeral service.

Plain Kraft DIY Caskets

​A simple natural kraft casket, ready to use as is or as a blank canvas for drawing, writing or personal decoration.

Truly Personal and Beautiful Eco Caskets

Fern design eco coffin in NZ made from sustainable cardboard.

Fern Printed Casket

Coastal beach design eco coffin in New Zealand made from cardboard.

Coastal Printed Casket

Floral eco coffin in NZ featuring colourful flower print on cardboard casket.

Flower Printed Casket

Fantail illustration eco coffin in NZ printed on kraft cardboard casket.

Fantail Printed Casket

Sunflower printed eco coffin in New Zealand made from cardboard.

Sunflower Printed Casket

Butterfly printed eco coffin in NZ cardboard casket design.

Butterfly Printed Casket

Our handcrafted cardboard caskets are proudly designed and made in New Zealand. Each one is created with care and attention to detail. Made from 100% biodegradable, recycled cardboard, our eco caskets offer a meaningful way to honour your loved one and protect the planet.

Becs Bartells with eco coffin range by Outside The Box Caskets in New Zealand.

The Story Behind the Caskets

Outside The Box Caskets was created by New Zealand industrial designer Becs Bartells, who wanted to offer a more personal, sustainable alternative to traditional caskets.

A Closer Look: View the Casket in 3D

A Unique and Personal
Farewell

Outside The Box Caskets are a vibrant option for people who want something a bit different. Unlike traditional timber or MDF caskets, our cardboard caskets have a modern, distinctive style. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional caskets and cremation boxes.

Our eco caskets can be used as a blank canvas, allowing families to personalise them and create a truly unique way to honour their loved one. Whether through artwork, painting, heartfelt messages, or cherished mementos, our caskets help families craft a deeply personal tribute that celebrates their loved one’s life and individuality.

Custom Caskets: One of a Kind, Made to Order

We offer a custom design service where each casket lid is created using your photos, artwork, colours or themes. Every lid is a one-off design made especially for your loved one.

Custom designs are printed on a white base for a brighter, more vibrant photographic finish. This gives them a different look to our kraft-based printed casket range.

Designed for Burial and Cremation

Our eco caskets, ashes boxes, and urns are designed for both burial and cremation, giving families the flexibility to choose a farewell that feels right for their loved one. Certified for Green Burial and cremation requirements, Outside The Box Caskets and urns provide a sustainable, heartfelt solution for any farewell.

Our eco caskets, ashes boxes, and urns are designed for both burial and cremation, giving families the flexibility to choose a farewell that feels right for their loved one. Certified for Green Burial and cremation requirements, Outside The Box Caskets and urns provide a sustainable, heartfelt solution for any farewell.

Outside The Box Caskets are available through funeral homes nationwide across New Zealand, and are now proudly offered in Australia.

Coastal New Zealand landscape background for the Outside The Box Caskets brand story video

Watch the story behind
Outside The Box Caskets

Sunflower printed cardboard ashes urn and matching casket by Outside The Box Caskets

Matching Ashes Boxes/Urns

Our caskets and ashes urns, also known as ashes boxes, are available through funeral homes across New Zealand. Outside The Box Caskets are award winning, independently certified, and meet both Green Burial and cremation requirements. They can be used at funeral services with pallbearers and have been recognised for sustainable innovation, winning gold in two Australasian design awards.

Close up detail of eco friendly cardboard coffin in NZ with fern lid design.

Connect with a funeral director who can help guide you through the next steps.

What Our Clients Say
About Their Experience

Chloe greatbatch

2025-12-18

Outside The Box Caskets is a modern and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional casket options. It is lovely to be able to personalise the casket with a meaningful, beautiful design but also in a sustainable way.

Bob Shaw

2025-12-10

Pioneering the industry with a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship! Outside the box in name and thinking

Terrain NZ

2025-12-09

We received a fantastic service and product at a very difficult time.

Mark “Morty” Mortlock

2025-11-06

I have used Out Of The Box caskets for families for a number of years and can highly recommend them. Not only are they beautifully crafted and eco-friendly, they are customisable, giving families a meaningful and bespoke way to say goodby. They are a fabulous alternative to the heavy MDF and wood options usually used and I have seen them printed up with professional images and decorated by family and friends. If you're looking for a truly eco-friendly option, want something that be decorated, or are just looking for 'gorgeous and simple' Out Of The Box has you covered.

Issac Leung

2025-11-02

Offering a refreshing and meaningful approach to coffin design. Their creativity stands out in an industry that often lacks personalisation. Each casket is thoughtfully made, beautifully finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

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