Member Article

Collaboration leads to woollen coffins

A North East company is working with a Yorkshire textile firm to create a new product aimed at the eco-friendly market - woollen coffins.

JC Atkinson, based in Washington, has joined forces with Hainsworth, a speciality textile firm, to produce the new range. The coffins will be manufactured by Hainsworth at their Leeds mill and distributed throughout the UK by JC Atkinson.

The coffins are made from pure new wool and are supported on a recycled cardboard frame, and all the materials used are biodegradable.

The partnership between the two companies was formed when Hainsworth, a Royal Warrant Holder, had the idea to make a coffin. They approached JC Atkinson who provided them with a route to the funeral director market.

Julian Atkinson, Managing Director of JC Atkinson said: ““This is an exciting new concept and one that brings something completely new to the coffin market. For our company, as winner of the Sunday Times Green Company Award, one of the most important things is the environmental credentials of the materials.

“The coffins will carry the British Wool Mark and use 100% British wool. Recycled cardboard is used and all the materials, including the packaging, are biodegradable. As the coffins are manufactured in Yorkshire, the distribution costs are minimal and there is the added benefit of boosting a local economy in a traditional manufacturing sector.”

Rachel Hainsworth, Sales Director of Hainsworth said: “Hainsworth has 225 years of expertise in textiles and it was a natural choice for us to partner JC Atkinson on this exciting new venture. With Julian’s respected reputation and industry knowledge, and Hainsworth’s textile innovation and manufacturing expertise we have an exciting new product with a well respected and established sales and distribution network.”

For more information visit www.coffins.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .