THE IMPORTANCE OF
COFFIN STANDARDS
IN THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY
THE IMPORTANCE OF
COFFIN STANDARDS
IN THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY
By FIAT-IFTA Coffin Standard Committee
The funeral industry plays a crucial role in honouring
the deceased with dignity, and a significant part
of this involves the coffins chosen by families for
their loved ones. Coffin standards are essential for
ensuring environmental sustainability, compliance
with evolving regulations, safety during handling,
and maintaining high levels of quality and design. As
regulatory frameworks such as the European Union
Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and crematorium
guidelines become more stringent, adherence to
these standards is increasingly important for funeral
service providers and manufacturers alike.
One of the most pressing concerns regarding
coffins is their environmental impact.
Many coffins are made from wood and other
biodegradable materials, but unsustainable
sourcing can contribute to deforestation and
environmental degradation. The EUDR (European
Union Deforestation Regulation), which came into
effect to combat deforestation, directly affects the
coffin industry by requiring manufacturers to prove
that the timber used in their products is legally
sourced and does not contribute to deforestation.
This regulation mandates that funeral industry
suppliers maintain full traceability of the wood they
use, ensuring it comes from sustainable sources
even if the coffins are not produced in the EU. As
a result, coffin manufacturers must increasingly
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No. 110 – SUMMER 2025 | THANOS MAGAZINE
COMMITTEE NEWS