Our values

Handmade

A craft learnt in Italy, woven in South Wales

While living in Italy, our founder was introduced to the design of willow coffins by his uncle, and became deeply fascinated by creating coffins and baskets with this natural element.

After moving to the UK he created bespoke willow coffins for a company, gained the skills to establish his own business, and founded Bio Willow Coffins. His ambition is to expand the knowledge and skills of willow coffins, and to pass this creative passion on as part of his family heritage.

• Every coffin and casket is made to order, by hand, in South Wales.
• Different shapes and sizes: traditional and curved-end coffins, the open coffin, the baby Nestling crib and cradle.

Materials

Willow from local farms, and nothing else that lasts

Our coffins and caskets are eco-friendly, with willow sourced from local farms. Each coffin uses entirely sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

• 100% biodegradable, using no metals or plastic.
• Natural fibres and wicker, with eco-friendly adhesive.
• Three natural colours of willow - White, Buff and Brown - with no dyes.
• Suitable for cremation or burial.

Craft

Woven by hand, lined by hand

Each of our products is fully lined with a high quality fabric. One of our craftsmen takes care entirely of the lining of our coffins: the fabric is worked with the sewing machine and then assembled by hand. Each coffin comes with its own pillow made with soft dry grass.

• Recommended carrying capacity: 120kg. Coffins can be produced for 120-180kg on request.
• We can also produce custom size coffins on request.
• Willow or rope handles, name plates, toggles and coloured bows to personalise every coffin.

Sustainability

A crop that grows back every year

Willow is a coppice plant which grows extremely quickly. It is harvested in the winter months after the leaves have fallen, and those leaves provide the nutrients for the following year's plants, so no fertilisers are used.

Willow has been used to make baskets for centuries: a sustainable crop, easy to propagate, fast growing and flexible.

Care

Care in every step, and beyond our workshop

We take great pride in our work and in the measures we take to produce the highest quality. Every measurement is confirmed with the family or their funeral director before weaving.

Bio Willow Coffins are proud to contribute a donation every year to charities around the world, to bring hope to children and people whose lives are surrounded by great injustice.