Biodegradable Caskets

Materials and Styles

Wicker Caskets: A wicker casket is one of the most popular choices for green burial. Handwoven from willow or rattan, wicker coffins have a warm, basket-like appearance and are lightweight yet sturdy enough for pallbearing and graveside services. Wicker caskets are sometimes called basket caskets because of their tightly woven, rounded construction. They are fully biodegradable and approved for use in certified natural burial grounds.

Bamboo Caskets: A bamboo casket offers exceptional strength paired with rapid renewability. Bamboo grows faster than any hardwood, making it one of the most sustainable materials available. These caskets have a clean, structured look with straight lines and a natural golden tone. Each bamboo casket includes reinforced wooden runners and a soft cotton lining.

Sea Grass Caskets: Woven from hand-harvested sea grass, these caskets have a distinctive textured appearance with earth-toned color variations. Sea grass is naturally salt-tolerant and requires no pesticides or fertilizers to grow, making it one of the lowest-impact materials for a biodegradable casket. Sea grass caskets work well for both burial and cremation.

Wool Caskets: Crafted from felted wool over a cardboard frame, wool caskets are among the lightest and most environmentally gentle options available. They feature a soft, fabric-covered exterior and a natural cotton interior. Wool caskets are ideal for families seeking a simple, dignified presentation for direct burial or cremation services.

Why Choose a Biodegradable Casket

Biodegradable caskets are designed to return to the earth naturally, without introducing metal hardware, synthetic linings, or chemical treatments into the soil. Unlike conventional steel or treated hardwood models that resist decomposition for decades, a biodegradable coffin uses only plant-based or animal-fiber materials that break down over time. This makes green burial caskets the preferred choice for natural and green burials, where the goal is minimal environmental impact. Many certified green cemeteries require or strongly recommend biodegradable caskets for interment.

Eco-friendly caskets are also suitable for cremation. Because they contain no metal components or synthetic materials, they produce a cleaner burn with fewer emissions than traditional caskets. Families who choose cremation but still want a casket for a viewing or funeral service often select a biodegradable option as a practical and environmentally responsible choice.

Choosing the Right Green Casket

Size: Most biodegradable caskets are available in standard adult dimensions and will accommodate the same range of body sizes as conventional caskets. If you need guidance on sizing, our customer service team can help you select the right fit.

Intended Use: Consider whether the green casket will be used for a natural burial, traditional cemetery burial, or cremation. For natural burial at a certified green cemetery, confirm that the casket meets the cemetery's material requirements. For cremation, any of our biodegradable caskets are appropriate. For traditional cemeteries that require an outer container, pair the casket with a burial vault — though most families choosing green burial specifically select cemeteries that do not require vaults.

Material Preference: Each material has a distinct look and feel. Wicker and willow caskets have a rustic, handcrafted quality. Bamboo offers a more structured, modern appearance. Sea grass provides a natural, textured look. Wool caskets are the softest and simplest in presentation. Browse our full selection to find the style that best reflects your loved one.

Presentation: All of our biodegradable caskets include cloth-lined interiors and are suitable for open-casket viewings, funeral services, and graveside ceremonies. If you are planning a service before burial or cremation, these caskets provide a dignified and beautiful presentation. For more background on how different casket types compare, see our guide to the different types of caskets.

Green Burial and Cremation

Green burial is a growing movement that returns the body to the earth using only natural materials. A green casket eliminates the use of embalming chemicals, metal hardware, and concrete vaults — the standard components of conventional burial. The result is a burial that supports natural decomposition and leaves a smaller environmental footprint. The Green Burial Council and certified natural cemeteries provide resources to help families find approved burial grounds in their area.

For families choosing cremation, a biodegradable casket allows for a full funeral service with the casket present before cremation takes place. Because these caskets are made entirely from natural fibers and plant materials, they are accepted by all crematories. Many families also explore our full range of caskets when comparing options across materials and price points.

Free Shipping on All Biodegradable Caskets

Every biodegradable casket at Memorials.com ships free directly to your home, funeral home, church, or cemetery. We offer expedited shipping options for time-sensitive arrangements. Our caskets arrive carefully packaged and ready for immediate use. If you have questions about materials, sizing, or green burial requirements, our team is available by phone or email to help you choose the right casket for your family's needs.