Co-op Funeral Group brings sustainability to the afterlife

The UK's first recyclable corporate clothing range, created entirely from biodegradable and sustainable sources, has been launched by the Midcounties Co-operative Funeral Group.


The interlining of the garments are either derived from viscose or made using 100% recycled PET plastic bottles and the buttons are made from the Corozo nut, which is found inside a large fruit that grows on the Tagua Palms of Ecuador.

The move follows a number of initiatives by the group to make its business more sustainable such as the introduction of banana leaf and cardboard coffins.

In addition, the company has followed a carbon emission cutting programme and became the first business in the UK to invest in an all-electric vehicle fleet.

Midcounties Co-operative Funeral Group group general manager Simon Fisher said: “Being green is more than just offering cardboard coffins – it’s about constantly searching for new and innovative ways that you can reduce your daily environmental impact.”

Created by Lyn Oakes corporate tailors, the full ceremonial outfit for staff is made using 100% wool sourced from natural, sustainable and renewable sources.

The dyes and processes used have been evaluated for pesticide usage and waste management and all adhere to the European-wide ‘Oeko-Tex Standard 100’, which test for harmful substances used throughout manufacturing processes.

Conor McGlone

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