Woman laid to rest in coffin made from mushrooms in Australian first
A woman in New South Wales has become the first person in Australia to be buried in a biodegradable mushroom coffin. The casket, made from mycelium and hemp, decomposes into nutrient-rich soil in just 45 days, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wooden coffins.
Why it matters
This highlights a growing trend in sustainable death care and the adoption of circular economy practices in traditional industries.
The mushroom coffin, created by Loop Biotech, pictured in Sydney Harbour. Photograph: Loop Biotech The mushroom coffin, created by Loop Biotech, pictured in Sydney Harbour. Photograph: Loop Biotech Australia news Woman laid to rest in coffin made from mushrooms in Australian first The casket, grown from mycelium and hemp fibres, takes just 45 days to break down, enriching the soil in the process
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Prefer the Guardian on Google A woman has been buried in a coffin made from mushrooms in New South Wales in an eco-friendly first for Australia.
Carolyn, aged in her 70s, was laid to rest on Friday by friends and family at Springwood Cemetery in the Blue Mountains.
The mushroom coffin, created by the Dutch firm Loop Biotech, was grown from mycelium – the root network of fungi – and hemp fibres.
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