Crematoriums refuse 'eco-friendly' coffins

Crematorium operators are refusing to accept "eco-friendly" cardboard coffins imported from China because of the high emissions and amount of ash they produce.

Funeral directors say Christchurch's privately-owned crematoriums have written to them saying they will no longer accept the Ecocoffins, imported by Christchurch man John Guthrey.

The coffins are made of cardboard with an oak veneer.

Crematorium Society of Canterbury general manager Barbara Terry said the coffins could be used for burials but not burnt in cremators because of the amount of ash they produced and for safety reasons.

"There is no credible data or research that can make us feel confident the emissions from this product are of acceptable standards," Ms Terry told The Press newspaper.

She said the coffins left a "tremendous amount of fly ash" which didn't combust and settled among the remains of deceased people "like a tacky attachment".

"It is a sensitive issue and we must take care to return ashes to the family to our satisfaction."

Ms Terry said she was also concerned for crematorium staff as the Ecocoffins combusted almost immediately they entered the cremator and didn't allow staff enough time to properly close the door.

North Canterbury Crematorium Ltd manager Phil Seal said the caskets weren't eco-friendly.

"They are okay for burial but not for cremation."

Mr Guthrey said the caskets had been tested by a British company and were used regularly in the United Kingdom.

He said he was working with regional council Environment Canterbury and a scientist and hoped to have the Ecocoffins accepted by crematorium owners as soon as possible.

"I dispute there is any problem with physically putting them in the burner."

- NZPA