Express & Star

Green burials on offer with new Walsall coffin supplier

A former telecoms consultant from Walsall has set up a new business supplying environmentally-friendly coffins.

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Alex Wilcox got the idea for Caring Coffins - his first business - after having to organise a funeral himself.

"I was astounded at the costs and took a look at the elements of a funeral and felt it shouldn't have to coast as much as it does," he explained.

Mr Wilcox, aged 29, discovered that coffins made from sustainable materials worked out much cheaper and were better for the environment.

The coffins he is now supplying through his online business - www.caringcoffins.com - cost £400 on average including 24-hour delivery. "The average traditional wooden coffin costs about £1,700. Caring Coffins offers a saving of more than £1,000," he explained.

His business, which he runs from home, went live just over a year ago. "The business is going from strength to strength and each month we are selling more than the month before."

The coffins which Caring Coffins imports are made from bamboo, seagrass, water hyacinth, wicker, willow and abaca and are suitable for both burials and cremations.

The company has so far achieved its growth through online marketing and word of mouth, but is now featured in The Good Funeral Guide and the online National Death Centre.

Mr Wilcox said that orders were coming in from all over the country.

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