Personalise Your Farewell: How Cardboard Coffins are Changing Funerals
In recent years, a growing number of New Zealanders have begun to embrace the idea of eco coffins as a meaningful way to personalise their farewells. As people become more environmentally conscious, cardboard coffins are gaining popularity not only for their eco-friendly credentials but also for their versatility in personalisation. These coffins offer an eco-conscious choice for those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint, while also providing a canvas for individuals to express their unique personalities and stories.

In this piece, we will delve into how cardboard coffins are revolutionising the funeral industry, offering both sustainability and a personalised touch to commemorate a life well-lived.

Cardboard coffins present a unique opportunity for individuals to infuse their own stories and personalities into their final farewell. Unlike traditional options, these eco coffins can be customised with images, messages, and designs that resonate with the person's life journey. Families and friends can gather to decorate the coffin, adding a deeply personal element to the farewell process. This creative freedom allows for a ceremony that truly reflects the essence of the departed. Whether it's a tribute to a favourite hobby, a collage of cherished memories, or even a simple colour scheme that held personal significance, the possibilities are limitless. This personal touch not only honours the individual's life but also provides comfort and a sense of connection for loved ones. As more people seek meaningful and personalised ways to say goodbye, the appeal of cardboard coffins continues to grow, reshaping how we approach end-of-life ceremonies.

Cardboard coffins offer significant environmental benefits, making them an appealing choice for eco-conscious individuals. Made primarily from biodegradable materials, these eco coffins break down naturally, leaving minimal impact on the environment. Traditional wooden or metal coffins often involve resource-intensive manufacturing processes and can take decades to decompose, whereas cardboard coffins are designed to minimise ecological footprints. They are typically produced using recycled materials and are free from harmful chemicals or finishes that could leach into the soil. 

This growing awareness of environmental issues is driving more New Zealanders to opt for eco coffins, aligning their values with their end-of-life choices and paving the way for more sustainable funeral practices. Our Outside the Box eco-friendly cardboard caskets, designed and made right here in New Zealand, embody this ethos. For those seeking such an option locally, you can easily request one through your local funeral director, or view a link to our stockists here.

Over the past four years, Outside the Box has witnessed an increase in the number of people inquiring about and choosing cardboard coffins. This growing interest is exciting as it reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and creative farewell practices. While affordability remains a consideration, it is the unique blend of personalisation and sustainability that truly captures the imagination of our customers.

Our cardboard caskets offer a unique opportunity for personal expression that traditional casket options may not provide. Eco-conscious burial options in New Zealand with cardboard caskets are gaining popularity, as more families choose to honour their loved ones in a way that reflects both their values and personal stories.
This growing trend signifies a thoughtful and intentional approach to farewells, with more people seeking personalised and sustainable funeral experiences that reflect the individuality of their loved ones.
As funerals evolve, the desire for both personalisation and sustainability becomes increasingly important. Biodegradable cardboard coffins provide an ideal solution, allowing families to create a meaningful, environmentally conscious tribute.

At Outside the Box, we take pride in offering locally made, sustainable funeral products that help celebrate life in a way that leaves a lasting, positive impact on the planet and honours the legacy of those we've lost.

Embracing Farewells: The Importance of Funerals in Healing
Funerals play a vital role in helping us process grief and come to terms with loss. While it might seem easier or more cost-effective to opt for direct cremation, skipping a traditional funeral can leave us with unresolved emotions that impact our ability to heal. A funeral provides a supportive environment for saying goodbye, building community connections, and honouring the life of the person we've lost—steps that are essential on the journey to emotional recovery. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of funerals, the crucial role of funeral directors, and alternative ways to find closure if a traditional funeral isn’t an option.

Why Funerals Matter: Finding Closure and Saying Goodbye
Funerals offer a dedicated time and space for us to say our final goodbyes, which is a critical step in accepting loss and beginning the healing process. When we gather with others to reflect on a loved one’s life, it allows us to fully acknowledge the reality of their passing. This helps us move beyond denial or shock, encouraging emotional healing by providing an opportunity to express our grief openly and share our feelings with others who are also mourning. Missing out on this step can lead to prolonged or complicated grief, making it more challenging to move forward.

Building Support and Community
One of the most significant aspects of a funeral is the way it brings people together, creating a communal space for shared grieving and mutual support. Being surrounded by friends and whānau during such a difficult time helps alleviate the sense of isolation that often accompanies loss. This gathering fosters a comforting network of emotional support, which is crucial for healing. Beyond the immediate comfort of shared stories and memories, the support from this community can extend into practical help and ongoing companionship, easing the mourning process long after the funeral.

Honouring the Deceased
A funeral is more than just a farewell; it's an opportunity to honour and celebrate the life of someone special. It's a moment to recognise their impact and legacy, offering comfort to those left behind. Through personal stories and memories shared during the service, we paint a fuller picture of the deceased’s life, ensuring that they are remembered and respected. This collective remembrance can bring a sense of closure, focusing on the positive aspects of their life. Without such a ceremony, there may be a lingering sense of incompletion, leading to unresolved emotions.

The Psychological Impact of Missing Funerals

Prolonged Grief: When we skip a formal farewell, we might find it harder to reach closure, potentially extending the grieving process. Without a structured opportunity to say goodbye, mourners may feel stuck in emotional limbo, unable to fully accept the reality of their loss. This can manifest as persistent sadness, depression, or difficulty moving on. The absence of communal support that a funeral provides can make the grieving process even more isolating and challenging. Addressing these emotions through a structured ceremony is often crucial to preventing the long-term effects of unresolved grief.

Feeling Isolated: The absence of a funeral can leave mourners feeling isolated, as they miss out on the communal support that these gatherings offer. Funerals serve as a critical point of connection where whānau and friends can lean on each other for support. Without this collective grieving experience, feelings of loneliness can intensify, making it harder to express emotions and receive the support needed to heal. This isolation can complicate the journey through grief, making it a much more challenging and prolonged experience.

Unexpressed Emotions: Funerals provide a vital outlet for emotions, allowing us to openly express our grief. When this opportunity is missed, unexpressed emotions can lead to complicated or prolonged grief. Mourners may suppress their feelings, which can later manifest in unhealthy ways, such as emotional numbness or persistent sadness. The absence of a communal grieving experience means there’s no shared validation of these emotions, which is essential for emotional healing. Unresolved feelings can impact not only emotional well-being but also physical health, making a structured ceremony a crucial step in the healing journey.

Alternatives to Traditional Funerals

Small Gatherings: If a traditional funeral isn’t possible, hosting a small gathering with close friends and whānau can serve as a meaningful alternative. These intimate events offer a space to share memories, support each other, and honour the deceased in a personal setting. Small gatherings can be tailored to reflect the personality of the deceased, making them more personal and meaningful. Whether it’s sharing stories, playing their favourite music, or watching home videos, these gatherings allow for direct interaction and emotional support, fostering closeness and a sense of community.

Personal Rituals: Creating personal rituals is another meaningful way to honour the deceased and process grief when a traditional funeral isn’t an option. Activities such as planting a memorial tree or setting up a remembrance space at home can provide a lasting tribute to a loved one. These rituals offer routine and purpose, helping mourners channel their emotions in a constructive way. They can be revisited over time, offering ongoing opportunities for reflection and connection. By establishing private rituals, individuals can find solace and closure, honouring their grief in a deeply personal manner.

Funerals play a crucial role in the grieving process, offering a structured opportunity to say goodbye, build community support, and honour the life of the deceased. Skipping this step can lead to prolonged grief, isolation, and unexpressed emotions, which can complicate the healing journey. However, if a traditional funeral isn’t possible, small gatherings and personal rituals can provide meaningful alternatives that offer comfort and closure. At Outside The Box Caskets, we understand the importance of these final farewells and are here to support you in finding the right way to honour your loved one.

The Rise of Personalised Funerals
It’s really heartening to see how funerals in New Zealand and Australia are changing. People are moving away from traditional settings like churches and crematoriums and opting for more unique and personal venues. Think beaches, art centres, and local clubs. This shift allows families to create farewells that truly reflect their loved ones' personalities and the memories they leave behind (Mirage News, Funeral Director Daily).

A lot of this change is driven by a desire for more meaningful and personalised funerals. Recent research shows that more than half of Australians would prefer farewells in places other than the usual church or chapel, with parks and beaches being popular choices. It's great to see funeral directors getting on board with this trend, offering more flexible and creative options that cater to modern attitudes.

At Outside The Box Caskets, we're excited to be part of this movement. Our eco-friendly caskets are designed to allow families to add a personal touch to a farewell. Made from recycled cardboard and sustainable materials, they enable families to honour their loved ones in a way that feels right for them and kind to the environment.

Our eco caskets can be personalised, serving as blank canvases for families and friends to decorate with messages, memories, and mementos. This hands-on approach can be very healing, allowing families and friends to express their grief and celebrate the life of their loved one in a personal way.

Personalising a funeral isn't just about the location or the casket. It's about creating a ceremony that resonates with the individual's life and the memories shared with family and friends. This can include everything from the choice of music and readings to the style of the service and the personal touches that make it special.
We’re thrilled to see these changes taking place and to support families in planning the kind of farewells that truly reflect their loved ones' lives. It's all about creating meaningful, memorable, and fitting tributes.

​The shift towards personalised funerals is a positive one, reflecting broader changes in societal attitudes towards death and remembrance. This trend allows for more meaningful and personal farewells, ensuring that each service truly honours the unique life of the individual.

​Celebrating Green Burials with Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors

We are honoured to share some meaningful moments from a recent green burial
facilitated by Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, showcasing one of our eco-friendly
Outside The Box cardboard caskets.

Green burials, also known as natural burials, are becoming increasingly popular in
New Zealand. As more people seek environmentally friendly alternatives to
traditional burials, green burials offer a beautiful and sustainable option. Natural
burials minimise environmental impact by using biodegradable caskets, avoiding
harmful embalming chemicals, and allowing the body to decompose naturally. This
practice not only conserves natural resources but also promotes the health of local
ecosystems. By embracing natural, biodegradable materials, green burials support
the cycle of life and provide an eco-conscious way to lay loved ones to rest.
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Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors are among the funeral homes that have shown
exceptional support for families choosing green burials. We are grateful for their
support of Outside The Box Caskets and their commitment to offering our
biodegradable caskets as an option for families. By sharing these photos, we hope to inspire more families to consider this eco-friendly choice. For more information on green burial sites in your area, visit this link.

We thank Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors and other funeral homes across New
Zealand for their support in promoting green burials. Their dedication to sustainability allows families to honour their loved ones in a way that respects and protects the environment.

Outside The Box Caskets are available to funeral homes across New Zealand,
offering a departure from the ordinary. Crafted from 100% biodegradable, recycled
cardboard, our caskets honour your loved ones and the planet. Our eco-friendly
caskets provide a unique and personal touch to the funeral process. They support
environmentally conscious practices and offer a meaningful, personalised option.

For more details, visit our website at Outside The Box Caskets.

Embracing Sustainability in Funeral Practices: The Latest Innovations

As our world leans more towards sustainability, the funeral industry in New Zealand is also making strides to go green. Here’s a look at some of the latest eco-friendly technologies and practices making waves in how we say our final goodbyes.

Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Caskets
At Outside The Box Caskets, we are leading the charge with our biodegradable caskets made from recycled materials. Our cardboard caskets decompose naturally, which is much kinder to the environment than traditional options. We also offer caskets made from sustainable materials like bamboo and wicker, giving whānau more green choices.

Water Cremation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)
Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a new and greener alternative to traditional cremation. It uses water and potassium hydroxide to break down the body, resulting in a much smaller carbon footprint and less energy consumption. The remaining liquid is sterile and safe for the environment, making it a top choice for those who care about their ecological impact.

Human Composting
Human composting, or natural organic reduction, is gaining popularity. The body is placed in a vessel with organic materials like wood chips and straw. Over a few weeks, microbes break everything down into nutrient-rich soil. This soil can then be used to grow plants, creating a living memorial. It’s a beautiful way to give back to the Earth.

Green Burial Sites
Green burial sites are all about preserving nature. These sites don’t use traditional grave markers; instead, they use native plants or simple stones. They keep the natural landscape intact and provide habitats for wildlife. Whānau can find their loved ones’ graves using GPS, which means no need for intrusive markers. See the list of natural burial sites across New Zealand here.

Digital Memorials and Virtual Funerals
The digital world is changing how we remember our loved ones. Digital memorials and virtual funerals are becoming common, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. These platforms let whānau and friends share memories, photos, and videos online, creating an interactive and lasting tribute. Virtual funerals also reduce the need for travel, which is better for the environment.

Eco-Friendly Embalming
Traditional embalming uses harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. Now, eco-friendly embalming fluids made from essential oils and biodegradable substances are available. They preserve the body without damaging the environment, fitting perfectly with green funeral principles.

Reusable and Rental Caskets
To cut down on waste, many funeral providers now offer reusable or rental caskets. These caskets are used for the ceremony, and the body is later placed in a simple, biodegradable casket for burial or cremation. This reduces resource use and can be more affordable.

Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is an option some funeral providers are exploring to balance out the environmental impact of their services. By calculating the carbon footprint and investing in projects that reduce emissions, such as tree planting or renewable energy initiatives, it's possible to mitigate the ecological effects of funeral practices.
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The funeral industry in New Zealand is embracing sustainability with innovative practices that respect our planet. From biodegradable caskets to human composting, these eco-friendly options help us honour our loved ones while caring for the Earth. By choosing these green practices, we can leave a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.

Funeral vs Celebration of Life: Understanding the Differences
When it comes to saying goodbye to a loved one, the way we choose to commemorate their life can vary greatly. Traditionally, funerals have been the go-to method, but increasingly, people are opting for celebrations of life. At Outside the Box Caskets, we believe in offering choices that honour individual lives uniquely and sustainably. Let's explore the key differences between a funeral and a celebration of life, and consider why we use the term "funeral."

Why Do We Call It a Funeral?
The term "funeral" has deep historical and cultural roots, originating from the Latin word "funus," which means a burial or funeral ceremony. Traditionally, funerals are solemn occasions marked by rituals designed to honour the deceased and provide closure for the living. These ceremonies provide a structured way to say goodbye, rooted in cultural and religious practices, bringing people together to support each other in grief and offering a formal farewell.

Traditional Funeral
A traditional funeral primarily acknowledges a person's death and pays respects through a solemn, reflective ceremony. These events typically include a wake or viewing, where family and friends can view the deceased and offer condolences, followed by a ceremony, religious or secular - led by an officiant. The final committal, either through burial in a coffin or cremation, concludes the service. This structured approach helps the grieving process by providing a sense of closure and continuity, especially in communities with strong cultural or religious ties.

Celebration of Life
In contrast, a celebration of life focuses on commemorating the deceased's life and achievements in a joyful and uplifting manner. These highly personalised events may include sharing memories, music, photo slideshows, and personal tributes. Celebrations of life can take place anywhere, from a beach to a family home, reflecting the personality and preferences of the deceased. They can be held before or after the burial or cremation, allowing for a more relaxed and joyous occasion once the immediate formalities are over. This approach helps mourners focus on the joy and legacy left behind, fostering a sense of gratitude and connection.

Key Differences
The tone and atmosphere of these two types of ceremonies differ significantly. Traditional funerals are typically solemn and introspective, while celebrations of life are more uplifting and positive. Funerals usually follow a set format, whereas celebrations of life are highly flexible, allowing for creativity and personalisation. This flexibility offers greater opportunities for customisation, from location to activities, making each event unique to the individual being honoured.

Choosing the Right Approach
When deciding between a traditional funeral and a celebration of life, families should consider factors such as cultural and religious beliefs, the personality of the loved one, and what will provide the most comfort and meaning to those grieving. It's also possible to combine elements of both, creating a hybrid event that respects traditions while celebrating the unique life of the deceased.
Both funerals and celebrations of life serve important roles in the grieving process. The right choice depends on what feels most fitting for honouring your loved one and supporting your family through their loss.

In the end, it doesn't really matter what we call it - a funeral or a celebration of life. What matters is finding the right fit for you and your loved ones, creating a meaningful tribute that provides comfort and healing.

Unveiling the True Value of Cardboard Caskets: Beyond the Box
When selecting a casket, cardboard options are often perceived as the more budget-friendly choice. Yet, it's not uncommon for people to be taken aback by the not-so-modest price tag. The question arises: "It's just cardboard, right? Why the significant cost?" Let's dive deeper to understand the true value behind these caskets.

More Than Just a Box
It's crucial to acknowledge that cardboard caskets are far from ordinary. They are a product of ingenious engineering and thoughtful design, created to provide dignity and robustness. Take Outside The Box Caskets, for example: each one is meticulously weight-tested to bear up to 320kg, setting a benchmark for strength that is unmatched in the cardboard casket market.

The Hidden Costs You Don't See
The simplicity of cardboard masks the intricate process and associated costs of crafting a casket:
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Made in NZ: Our caskets are not only designed in New Zealand but also manufactured here from FSC-certified recycled cardboard.

Handmade: Each casket is handcrafted with care. Our caskets components are manually fed through a die-cutting machine, necessitating two operators. Our jute handles and twine lid ties are also tied by hand, adding to the craftsmanship.

Logistics: Delivering these substantial items goes beyond standard shipping due to their size.

Storage: The considerable space required to store these caskets translates into significant warehousing expenses.

Materials: We use a substantial amount of durable, high-quality raw material. For instance, the largest board piece in an Outside The Box casket is an impressive 2.7 metres long. It took three years of dedicated engineering and prototyping to perfect our caskets, and we take immense pride in their strength.

The True Value
When we talk about the cost of cardboard caskets, we're talking about more than just the materials used. We're talking about the dedication to quality, the innovation in design, and the responsible sourcing that goes into creating a product that respectfully serves its purpose. These caskets are not merely containers; they are the result of a careful process designed to offer a sustainable and honourable choice for a final resting place.
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So, while cardboard caskets may come with a higher price tag than anticipated, they are anything but simply 'expensive.' They represent a thoughtful choice for families, offering a balance between cost, environmental awareness, and the respect due in a final farewell.
These caskets are not simply boxes; they are the culmination of thoughtful design and environmental responsibility, ensuring that every farewell is as meaningful as it is mindful of our planet.

The Beauty and Benefits of Green Burials

Green burials, also known as natural burials or eco-friendly burials represent a profound departure from the traditional practices of laying the deceased to rest. In contrast to the elaborate and resource-intensive rituals often associated with conventional funerals, green burials offer a more environmentally conscious and ecologically sustainable approach. They prioritise simplicity, ecological sensitivity, and a deep connection to nature. In doing so, green burials aim to minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with traditional burial practices, which frequently involve embalming fluids and non-biodegradable caskets.

The concept of green burials has roots that extend far back in human history, echoing the practices of ancient civilisations. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that the modern green burial movement gained significant momentum. This surge in interest came as a direct response to growing concerns about the ecological consequences of conventional burial practices, which often disrupt ecosystems and contribute to pollution.

The United Kingdom played a pivotal role in popularising green burials on a global scale. In a historic moment in 1993, Carlisle Cemetery in Cumbria, UK, became the world's first modern green burial site. This landmark event marked a turning point in the funeral industry, inspiring other nations to embrace similar eco-friendly practices. Taking inspiration from the British model, the concept of green burials rapidly spread to other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

At the heart of the green burial philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to simplicity and the use of biodegradable materials. In stark contrast to the extravagance often associated with traditional funerals, the deceased in a green burial is typically interred in a shroud or a biodegradable casket crafted from materials like sustainably harvested wood, wicker, bamboo, or recycled cardboard. These materials are carefully chosen for their ability to facilitate a natural decomposition process, allowing the body to return to the earth harmoniously.
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Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of green burials is the conscious effort to preserve natural landscapes. These eco-friendly cemeteries are frequently situated in forests, bush, or other untouched natural areas. This strategic placement not only ensures the preservation of wildlife habitats and biodiversity but also fosters a serene and contemplative environment for loved ones to remember and connect with the deceased. In contrast to the towering and imposing tombstones found in conventional cemeteries, green burial sites feature minimalistic markers, using natural stones, native plants, or even GPS coordinates. This minimalist approach further contributes to the integration of human remains into the broader ecosystem, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all life.

A core principle of green burials is the rejection of embalming chemicals. Instead of using preservatives and other harmful substances, the body is prepared for burial using natural methods, such as refrigeration or dry ice. This not only eliminates the environmental impact associated with embalming but also aligns with the movement's overarching commitment to preserving the earth's integrity.

At its essence, the green burial movement aligns seamlessly with the principles of sustainability and conservation. It offers individuals and families a choice that not only respects the environment but also fosters a more harmonious relationship with nature throughout the entire life cycle, even in the profound experience of death. It serves as a testament to humanity's evolving consciousness about the interdependence of all life on Earth and the imperative to leave a lighter footprint, even in our final moments.
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In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, green burials represent a thoughtful and compassionate response to these concerns. They offer individuals and families an opportunity to align their values with their end-of-life choices, ensuring that their passing leaves a positive and lasting legacy, not just for their loved ones but for the planet as well. In choosing green burials, we are reminded that even in death, we can continue to nurture and protect the world that sustains us.

Exploring Natural Burials: Embracing Eco-Friendly Farewells and the Significance of Biodegradable Caskets

In the realm of farewells, a new wave of consciousness is sweeping across New Zealand and beyond, inspiring individuals to explore natural burials as an environmentally mindful way to bid adieu to their loved ones. As this movement gains momentum, it's essential to delve into the heart of natural burials and the profound impact they bring to our final goodbyes.

The Essence of Natural Burials Natural burials aren't just another passing trend; they embody a deep-rooted connection with nature, even as we reach the end of our earthly journey. These burials revolve around allowing the body to return to the earth, permitting natural decomposition to take its course. By foregoing embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, natural burials seek to minimise the ecological footprint often associated with conventional burial practices.

In the realm of natural burials, the choice of a casket plays a pivotal role. Materials like Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) are forbidden for these eco-friendly ceremonies. MDF caskets, which populate the NZ market, are composed of wood fibres and synthetic resins that deviate from the eco-friendly principles of natural burials. These synthetic components hinder the seamless integration of the body and casket with the earth.

Opting for a natural burial involves selecting a casket that is free from harmful materials and promotes the seamless integration of our bodies back into the natural world. Biodegradable caskets made from materials such as recycled cardboard (like an Outside The Box Cardboard casket) or caskets made from wicker, bamboo, or even simple untreated wood are favoured for their compatibility with the earth's natural processes.

At its core, the journey of natural burials extends beyond environmental considerations. It's about honouring our loved ones in alignment with their values and beliefs. By embracing natural burials, we establish a profound connection with the environment, leaving a legacy that reflects our commitment to safeguarding the planet.

The allure of natural burials rests in their holistic approach to farewells, nurturing a connection with nature and ensuring our impact on the Earth remains gentle and meaningful. By choosing biodegradable caskets and embracing the essence of these ceremonies, we create a final chapter that resonates with the timeless beauty of the world around us.