At Ecoffins, we take pride in being the original innovators of the eco-coffin
trend in the UK. Since our inception, we have led the way in offering families
a truly sustainable choice for their loved ones. As the UK’s premier manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly coffins and urns, we are committed to ensuring every product we create helps protect our planet for future generations.
Ecoffins began with a simple mission: to create eco-friendly coffins that are gentle on the planet. Founder William Wainman discovered bamboo’s incredible potential while teaching in China with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Inspired by its renewable and sustainable qualities, he started a small workshop in Hunan Province, crafting bamboo furniture with fair wages and ethical practices.
When the British Embassy in Beijing requested bamboo coffins, the first batch of Ecoffins was born — making sustainable, biodegradable coffins available to families in the UK at a time when natural burial was just starting to grow. The name “Ecoffins”, combining the words "eco" and "coffins", reflected the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical production.
After studying ethical business and funeral trends at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management, William returned to the UK with a vision: to make sustainable funerals accessible, ethical, and meaningful.
His focus on ethical business practices and improved labor conditions culminated in 2006, when Ecoffins became the first UK coffin company recognized by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)and the first UK company to achieve Fair Trade Status in China.
This groundbreaking achievement ensured every coffin was crafted with Fair Trade principles, from sourcing bamboo and willow overseas to supporting artisan communities.
As awareness of eco-conscious funerals grew, Ecoffins expanded its range to include Willow, English willow, Pine, Recycled Cardboard, Pandanus, and Banana Leaf coffins. Every product remains 100% biodegradable, containing no plastic, metal, or glue, ensuring a harmonious return to the earth.
Internal policies evolved to match the company’s mission: ethical employment, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence, establishing Ecoffins as a leader in the sustainable funeral industry.
Ecoffins’ headquarters in Kent reflects its environmental values. The purpose-built facility is solar-powered, energy-efficient, and surrounded by native trees, demonstrating the company’s dedication to sustainability.
In China and Indonesia, Fair Trade workshops continue to grow, providing ethical livelihoods for local artisans while producing sustainable materials for eco-friendly coffins worldwide. Every step, from production to delivery, mirrors Ecoffins’ commitment to people, planet, and purpose.
Today, Ecoffins is proudly family-owned, continuing to innovate in the natural burial and biodegradable coffin market. By combining craftsmanship, sustainability, and compassion, Ecoffins provides families with eco-friendly funeral choices that honor loved ones while protecting the environment.
Ecoffins is innovating to meet evolving family needs with new eco-friendly products and promoting awareness of sustainable funerals. Guided by compassion, sustainability, and ethics, the company continues to make a positive difference for people and the planet—today and for generations to come.
Good Funeral Awards 2017
We were voted ‘Best coffin supplier’ for 2017 by The Good Funeral Awards. They singled out for our fantastic customer feedback and attention to detail of which we are very proud.
National Association of Funeral Directors
Established in 1905, the NAFD represents the interests of the entire spectrum of funeral directing businesses – including independent businesses, the Co-operative and other major funeral groups – who conduct in excess of 80% of UK funerals every year.
Coffin Casket and Shroud Association
Setting the standard for all coffins, caskets and shrouds sold in the UK, in particular those used for cremation and to encourage manufacturers of these products to adopt more green-minded practices in all aspects of their work. All of Ecoffins' coffins and caskets have been independently tested and certified fit for cremation by the CCSA.
Association of Green Funeral Directors
Working to help members of the public find funeral homes in their area which are willing to provide greener options in the funerals they carry out. In addition the AGFD works to encourage funeral directors to become more green-minded in all aspects of their work and help bring natural funerals into the mainstream.
World Fair Trade Organisation
The World Fair Trade Organisation is a global network of organisations representing the Fair Trade supply chain. Membership in WFTO organisations with credibility and identity by way of an international guarantee system, a place of learning, provides tools and training to increase market access, and creates a common voice that speaks out for Fair Trade and trade. Members must demonstrate 100% commitment to Fair Trade and apply the 10 WFTO Principles of Fair Trade to their supply chain. The works and achievements of its members make WFTO a global authority on Fair Trade and a guardian of Fair Trade values and principles.
The Good Funeral Guild
An association with an aim to create change in the funeral industry. Offering the opportunity for exchange of ideas between funeral professions while nurturing, supporting and encouraging progressive practice among undertakers and ceremony leaders. Raising public awareness of end-of-life and funeral consumer issues and lobbying HM Government and the funeral industry’s trade associations in support of the interests of funeral consumers.
Investors in People
Ecoffins achieved Platinum status with Investors in People, an organisation that champions better work environments and stronger leadership. This accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our team’s wellbeing, development, and performance—ensuring that our people are empowered, valued, and equipped to thrive. We believe that when we invest in our people, everyone benefits: our employees, our customers, and the planet.
