The Story Behind Outside The Box Caskets
Outside The Box Caskets was created by New Zealand industrial designer Becs Bartells. The goal was to give families a more personal and sustainable way to say goodbye.
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The idea started more than a decade ago when Becs was preparing for her Nana's funeral. She was surprised by how limited and impersonal the casket options felt. Nothing really reflected the person or was kind to the planet.
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With her background in industrial design and experience exhibiting at the Milan Furniture Fair, Becs set out to create something different. A beautifully made eco cardboard casket that felt modern, respectful, and nothing like a traditional coffin.
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After two years of design, structural engineering, testing and refinement, Outside The Box Caskets launched in 2019. It became the first cardboard casket in New Zealand to be certified by Natural Burials NZ.
Our Design
Our caskets are the result of New Zealand industrial design expertise. The signature curved lid and structural system are registered designs. Every casket is engineered for strength, ease of handling by pallbearers, and suitability for both burial and cremation while staying 100% biodegradable.
The design has since won Gold for Design Innovation of the Year at the PIDA Australasian Packaging Innovation and Design Awards, and a Gold Good Design Award from Good Design Australia.
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Each casket is printed with eco friendly inks and made here in New Zealand using our patented design curved lid.
In 2024 we expanded into Australia through a licensed manufacturing partner. You can now find Outside The Box Caskets through funeral homes across both countries.
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Want the full journey from garage workshop prototypes to an award winning international brand?
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