Are Outside The Box Caskets certified for natural burials?

Yes, our caskets meet the strict criteria of Natural Burials NZ and are fully biodegradable.

Can I have a natural burial anywhere?

No, it must be at a council or certified site that allows natural burials. See the lists above for your options.

What is the main difference between a natural burial and a traditional burial?

A natural burial avoids embalming chemicals, uses biodegradable coffins or shrouds, and is designed to return the body gently to the earth. The grave is usually shallower than a traditional burial so the body is in the active soil layer, where natural decomposition happens faster and supports plant life above.

Can I pre-purchase a natural burial plot?

In most cemeteries, natural burial plots aren’t sold in advance. The specific plot is usually only assigned at the time of burial so the site can be prepared in sequence and native planting can continue without gaps. Some councils may let you pay ahead for the right to a natural burial, but the plot itself will still be allocated when it’s needed.

Do natural burials cost more?

The cost depends on the cemetery and local council fees. In some areas, natural burial plots can be more expensive because space is limited. The burial process itself can be simpler, which may reduce some costs. Your funeral director (https://becs968.wixstudio.com/outsidetheboxcaskets/stockists)or local council can give you the exact price for your chosen site.

Can I use any casket for a natural burial?

No most natural burial cemeteries require a casket made from fully biodegradable materials, such as untreated wood, wicker, or cardboard, without plastic, metal, or toxic finishes. Outside The Box Caskets are made from recycled cardboard, contain no plastic or metal, and are certified by Natural Burials NZ, making them suitable for all certified natural burial sites in New Zealand.

Natural Burial Sites NZ | Eco Cardboard Caskets

Eco-friendly cardboard coffin suitable for natural burial in New Zealand

Natural Burials and Eco Funerals in New Zealand

Outside The Box Caskets provides eco-friendly cardboard caskets designed specifically for natural burials across NZ.

Natural burials are becoming more popular with people who want their farewell to reflect their care for the environment. Many cemeteries in New Zealand and overseas now offer this option. Unlike traditional burials, the grave is usually shallower so the body rests in the active layer of soil. This is where there’s more microbial activity, oxygen, and warmth, helping the body return to the earth naturally and supporting the growth of native plants above.

Fern design printed cardboard casket approved for natural burial in New Zealand

Find a Natural Burial Cemetery in New Zealand

As well as choosing an Outside The Box Casket, you can choose to have a natural burial, a choice that’s deeply personal, gentle on the planet, and becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand.

Natural burial, sometimes called green burial, is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation. The body is not embalmed with chemicals, and nothing artificial such as plastics, metals, or toxic finishes is placed in the ground. Instead, the person is laid to rest in a biodegradable coffin or shroud in a shallow grave that encourages natural decomposition and the return of nutrients to the earth.

Our caskets are available in plain natural kraft, printed designs, or fully customised options — each approved for natural burial in New Zealand.

It is a simple, respectful way of returning the body to the land, honouring both the life lived and the environment we leave behind. Many families find it a beautiful and healing way to say goodbye.

Why Our Caskets Work Beautifully for Natural Burial

Outside The Box Caskets are certified by Natural Burials NZ and meet their strict environmental standards for natural burial. We were the first cardboard casket in New Zealand to receive this certification.

100% biodegradable and compostable
No plastic, no metal, no synthetic glues
Made in New Zealand from sustainably sourced FSC recycled cardboard
Strong, safe for pallbearers, and beautifully simple in design

Because our caskets are made from natural materials, they break down gently over time, returning to the earth without leaving anything harmful behind. A simple, natural choice for anyone who wants their farewell to care for the planet.

VIEW OUR PRINTED CASKETS RANGE

Fern themed cardboard casket for natural burial in New Zealand

Casket Designs Approved for Natural Burial

All of our caskets, from plain natural kraft to printed and fully customised designs, are approved for natural burial in New Zealand.

Each Outside The Box Casket is made from certified biodegradable materials and crafted to meet Natural Burials NZ standards. Families can choose a design that reflects the life being honoured while remaining gentle on the earth.

Looking for something more personal? Explore our custom casket design options.