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Source: Thinkstock
A UK company is producing environmentally friendly woollen
coffins, which have received the backing of Prince Charles, The
Daily Mail reports.
Each coffin is made of thick felt from British fleeces spread over
a recycled cardboard frame, with cotton and polythene liners and
jute edging and handles.
The box is biodegradable, suitable for burials and cremations, and
costs between ($1392 and $1627).
Hainsworth, a 225-year-old family-run textile mill in Leeds, has
sold about 500 of the low-carbon-footprint coffins in dark brown
and natural white since last June.
Prince Charles visited the farm last year and was impressed by the
coffins.
"These are the first woollen coffins in the world," company
spokeswoman Victoria Mellor said.
"British wool often goes into making carpets, but due to the
problems in the housing market there has been less demand and
farmers have suffered.
"Prince Charles is eager to do anything to help them."
It is believed the Prince of Wales is keen to show off the coffins
at his Clarence House home as part of his Garden Party to Make a
Difference pro-sustainability campaign.
"He was impressed and said it looked very interesting," director
Rachel Hainsworth said.
"He's coming to see us on Friday and we'll definitely ask whether
he wants to choose one for himself."