Frequently Asked Questions About Outside The Box Caskets
Where can I purchase an Outside The Box Casket?
Outside The Box Caskets are available exclusively through funeral homes across New Zealand. Just ask your funeral director for “Outside The Box Caskets” by name.
You can also view our list of stockists, but even if your funeral home isn’t listed, they can still order one in. Just ask.
Still unsure?
Read our guide: How to Ask for a Cardboard Casket – A Simple Guide
Can I buy a casket directly from you?
We don’t sell directly to the public. Outside The Box Caskets is a wholesaler. We supply our caskets to funeral homes throughout New Zealand via a trusted national distributor.
Our distributor handles the manufacturing and logistics, and they have established relationships with funeral homes across the country. That’s their area of expertise.
We focus on what we do best: designing and building strong, sustainable, beautifully made caskets right here in New Zealand.
This setup ensures that every part of the process is managed by the people best equipped to do it properly.
If you’d like one of our caskets, just ask your funeral director for an Outside The Box Casket by name.
What if I’m not using a funeral director?
We understand that some families choose to organise a funeral themselves, whether for personal, cultural, or financial reasons.
While we don’t sell directly to the public, our caskets can still be accessed through funeral homes. Some funeral homes are happy to sell caskets directly to families, even if you're not using their full services. Just ask.
How long does it take to get a casket?
Your funeral director will be able to confirm availability, but most of our caskets are accessible on short notice through funeral homes across New Zealand.
How strong are your cardboard caskets?
Outside The Box cardboard caskets are independently weight tested to hold up to 320kg. They are fully suitable for traditional pallbearer services and include 6 handcrafted jute rope handles.
Where are your caskets made?
Outside The Box Caskets are the creation of New Zealand designer Becs Bartells, and each one is manufactured locally in New Zealand. Each casket is hand-assembled with a strong focus on quality, finish, and environmental impact.
Producing locally means a lower carbon footprint, support for local industry, and caskets made to a high standard with sustainability at the core.
How eco-friendly are your caskets?
Very. Our caskets are made from at least 70 percent post-consumer recycled cardboard and are 100 percent biodegradable, with no plastic, metal, or toxic glues.
They’re designed to reduce environmental impact in both cremation and burial:
Here’s what that means in practice:
Unlike many caskets made overseas or with imported materials, ours are designed and made here in New Zealand with a focus on reducing environmental impact.
Are your caskets suitable for burial and cremation?
Yes. Our caskets are designed to meet New Zealand’s requirements for both burial and cremation. However, local council or crematorium bylaws can vary slightly, so we recommend checking with your funeral director to confirm what applies in your area.
Are your caskets suitable for natural burials?
Yes. Our caskets meet the strict environmental criteria set by Natural Burials NZ and are certified for natural or green burials.
How much does an Outside The Box casket cost?
Pricing is handled directly by your funeral director. Ask them for a quote based on your chosen design.
Can I personalise or decorate the casket myself?
Yes, and that’s one of the best things about an Outside The Box Casket.
Our Plain Kraft Casket is perfect for personalisation. You can use paint, markers, crayons, pencils, or photos to create a casket full of meaning. We've seen families create beautiful tributes with messages, art, and shared memories.
We also offer printed designs if you prefer a finished look. View our range here.
Will you offer more casket designs?
Yes, our range is always evolving. Follow us on social media or check our website to stay up to date with new options.
Do you ship internationally?
We don’t ship caskets overseas, as it goes against our goal of reducing environmental impact. For Australia, we manufacture locally under licence and we’re open to similar partnerships in other countries to avoid unnecessary transport
What if I am using the casket at a service and it rains?
A few light drops are fine. Just like any casket, it can be protected appropriately during outdoor services. Your funeral director will have you covered.
Can your caskets be used for pall bearer services?
Yes, our caskets are designed to be carried and have 6 handmade load bearing jute handles for pallbearers.
Is the casket supplied with a nameplate?
Yes, our caskets are supplied with a cardboard name plate.
What sets Outside The Box apart?
Outside The Box Caskets are available exclusively through funeral homes across New Zealand. Just ask your funeral director for “Outside The Box Caskets” by name.
You can also view our list of stockists, but even if your funeral home isn’t listed, they can still order one in. Just ask.
Still unsure?
Read our guide: How to Ask for a Cardboard Casket – A Simple Guide
Can I buy a casket directly from you?
We don’t sell directly to the public. Outside The Box Caskets is a wholesaler. We supply our caskets to funeral homes throughout New Zealand via a trusted national distributor.
Our distributor handles the manufacturing and logistics, and they have established relationships with funeral homes across the country. That’s their area of expertise.
We focus on what we do best: designing and building strong, sustainable, beautifully made caskets right here in New Zealand.
This setup ensures that every part of the process is managed by the people best equipped to do it properly.
If you’d like one of our caskets, just ask your funeral director for an Outside The Box Casket by name.
What if I’m not using a funeral director?
We understand that some families choose to organise a funeral themselves, whether for personal, cultural, or financial reasons.
While we don’t sell directly to the public, our caskets can still be accessed through funeral homes. Some funeral homes are happy to sell caskets directly to families, even if you're not using their full services. Just ask.
How long does it take to get a casket?
Your funeral director will be able to confirm availability, but most of our caskets are accessible on short notice through funeral homes across New Zealand.
How strong are your cardboard caskets?
Outside The Box cardboard caskets are independently weight tested to hold up to 320kg. They are fully suitable for traditional pallbearer services and include 6 handcrafted jute rope handles.
Where are your caskets made?
Outside The Box Caskets are the creation of New Zealand designer Becs Bartells, and each one is manufactured locally in New Zealand. Each casket is hand-assembled with a strong focus on quality, finish, and environmental impact.
Producing locally means a lower carbon footprint, support for local industry, and caskets made to a high standard with sustainability at the core.
How eco-friendly are your caskets?
Very. Our caskets are made from at least 70 percent post-consumer recycled cardboard and are 100 percent biodegradable, with no plastic, metal, or toxic glues.
They’re designed to reduce environmental impact in both cremation and burial:
Here’s what that means in practice:
- Less fuel required – our caskets burn faster and cleaner during cremation
- Lower emissions – around 50% less carbon than a standard casket when cremated
- Safe for natural burial – fully biodegradable and accepted by Natural Burials NZ
- Made locally in New Zealand – no overseas shipping or imported materials
- Certified – we’re the first cardboard casket in NZ to meet Natural Burials’ standards
Unlike many caskets made overseas or with imported materials, ours are designed and made here in New Zealand with a focus on reducing environmental impact.
Are your caskets suitable for burial and cremation?
Yes. Our caskets are designed to meet New Zealand’s requirements for both burial and cremation. However, local council or crematorium bylaws can vary slightly, so we recommend checking with your funeral director to confirm what applies in your area.
Are your caskets suitable for natural burials?
Yes. Our caskets meet the strict environmental criteria set by Natural Burials NZ and are certified for natural or green burials.
How much does an Outside The Box casket cost?
Pricing is handled directly by your funeral director. Ask them for a quote based on your chosen design.
Can I personalise or decorate the casket myself?
Yes, and that’s one of the best things about an Outside The Box Casket.
Our Plain Kraft Casket is perfect for personalisation. You can use paint, markers, crayons, pencils, or photos to create a casket full of meaning. We've seen families create beautiful tributes with messages, art, and shared memories.
We also offer printed designs if you prefer a finished look. View our range here.
Will you offer more casket designs?
Yes, our range is always evolving. Follow us on social media or check our website to stay up to date with new options.
Do you ship internationally?
We don’t ship caskets overseas, as it goes against our goal of reducing environmental impact. For Australia, we manufacture locally under licence and we’re open to similar partnerships in other countries to avoid unnecessary transport
What if I am using the casket at a service and it rains?
A few light drops are fine. Just like any casket, it can be protected appropriately during outdoor services. Your funeral director will have you covered.
Can your caskets be used for pall bearer services?
Yes, our caskets are designed to be carried and have 6 handmade load bearing jute handles for pallbearers.
Is the casket supplied with a nameplate?
Yes, our caskets are supplied with a cardboard name plate.
What sets Outside The Box apart?
- We’re not just cardboard – we’re design-led, tested, and certified
- We’re proudly NZ made
- We prioritise strength, beauty, and sustainability
- We’ve supported Kiwi families for over 5 years
We’re called Outside The Box for a reason
Because we set out to make something different.
Not just in shape but in purpose.
Made from cardboard yes, but never just a box.
Not just in shape but in purpose.
Made from cardboard yes, but never just a box.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help. Just get in touch or speak with your funeral director and don’t hesitate to ask for us by name. Outside The Box Caskets are available nationwide.
We’re happy to help. Just get in touch or speak with your funeral director and don’t hesitate to ask for us by name. Outside The Box Caskets are available nationwide.
