Designed in New Zealand, Made in the UK: Outside the Box Caskets Launches with Somerset Willow

Outside The Box Caskets
Jul 22
2 min read

Fern-printed casket on Broadhaven Beach, UK, at golden hour, with the words 'A different way to say goodbye

The UK launch of Outside The Box Caskets has been a long time coming. Partnering with Somerset Willow is the right fit at the right time.

Somerset Willow has been making high end, well-crafted alternatives to traditional coffins since 1998. They understand that families are looking for something more personal and more considered. When they saw our design, they recognised the same values we've held since the beginning. Quality, sustainability, and genuine choice.

Where it began

The story started around fifteen years ago, when I was preparing for my Nana's funeral. I was surprised by how limited the options felt. The coffins available were heavy, uniform, and didn't reflect the person they were meant to honour.

With a background in industrial design, I set out to create something different. Not just another cardboard casket, but a genuinely engineered one. Strong enough to be carried and used with confidence, yet light, natural, and contemporary.

What began as prototypes in a garage in 2019 has grown into an award-winning design now used by families and funeral directors across New Zealand and Australia.

Becs Bartells and Anthony Hill standing together at the Outside The Box Caskets and Somerset Willow UK launch

A collaboration built on shared values

Bringing the range to the UK through Somerset Willow was a natural next step. While the design originates in New Zealand, every casket in this launch is manufactured and assembled in the UK. New Zealand design paired with British craftsmanship and quality control.

The caskets are made from high-specification corrugated board with a high proportion of recycled fibre. No plastic, no metal, no synthetic components. Natural jute handles and water-based printing processes. Independently tested and certified for strength and performance, and suitable for both burial and cremation.

But this isn't just about materials. It's about offering families a real alternative. Something that feels personal and is personal.

Union Jack printed casket from Outside The Box Caskets

More choice, not less tradition

This isn't about replacing tradition. It's about making sure that families who want something different, something more personal or more sustainable, actually have somewhere to turn.

Cardboard caskets have existed in the UK for years. But the standard hasn't always been there. Outside The Box was designed to change that.

The plain natural kraft casket is quiet and understated, a blank canvas families can leave as is or personalise with drawings, messages or photographs. The printed designs bring colour and character without feeling loud. Both sit comfortably in a funeral service.

Looking ahead

This launch is the result of years of development and the right partnership. Somerset Willow's experience and reputation in the UK funeral sector means families there will be well looked after, and we're grateful to Anthony and the team for the care they're putting into bringing this to the UK market.

If you're a funeral director interested in stocking Outside the Box Caskets, or if you'd like to know more, you can find details at www.outsidetheboxcaskets.co.uk

— Becs Bartells Founder and Designer, Outside the Box Caskets