Eco-Caskets Made In Malaysia, A Step Towards Green Burials

As Asia's population ages, discussion and demand for green burials have grown in recent years, and awareness of eco-caskets is increasing. A Malaysian pallet manufacturer has pioneered pallet manufacturing technology in the research and development of eco-caskets, eliminating the need for the local market to rely on imports. This approach not only reduces expenditure but also minimises the carbon footprint and demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection.

In an interview with Perpetual Heritage, Eco Casket's chief executive officer, Jonn Ong, stated that the company's initial focus was on manufacturing and packaging freight pallets. The opportunity to engage in eco-coffin manufacturing arose as a result of the global pandemic caused by the Covid-19. The company travelled to Thailand to gain expertise in the production of coffins. Leveraging their background knowledge of paper pallets designed to transport semiconductors, they acquired the skills necessary to manufacture environmentally friendly coffins that meet the specific requirements of the funeral industry.

In his discussions with funeral directors, he inquired about the advancements made in the field of coffin design over the past five decades. However, the other party was unable to provide a satisfactory response. Nevertheless, he considers the advent of eco-caskets to be a significant development.

The latest figures indicate that the monthly production of eco-caskets currently stands at 300 pieces, comprising both human and pet remains. Nevertheless, he maintains that the most crucial aspect is the dissemination of information and awareness.

Challenges In Promoting Eco-Caskets 

Jim Loo, the chief marketing officer at Eco Casket, states that the company has been engaged in the promotion of eco-caskets since 2022. However, she identifies a significant challenge, namely that the majority of Malaysians' conceptualisation of "eco-friendly" remains confined to the domain of recycling waste. This is despite the fact that eco-friendliness is a complex and expansive concept.

"The eco-caskets are produced using a new type of industrial-grade paper that is fully recyclable, thus contributing to the sustainability of the planet. The coffins are equipped with a soft cardboard base, which provides stability and facilitates handling. It should be noted that these bases are not honeycomb cardboard and have a maximum load capacity of 280 kg.” 

“When we promoted the eco-caskets, the most common questions we received from the public were whether the eco coffins would be stable, whether they would leak, how the internal temperature could be controlled, and so on. However, with the current manufacturing technology, none of these questions are a concern. Our coffins used to be bigger and thicker, but now they are thinner, and the texture and quality have improved. We have put a lot of thought into materials and design over the past two years and will continue to develop different product ranges.” 

Why Choose Locally Made Eco-Caskets? 

Previously, Malaysians who wanted to choose eco-caskets had to import them from abroad. In this regard, Jonn Ong said that the biggest drawbacks of importing eco-caskets from abroad are the time involved and the carbon footprint issue. 

“Let's say we import from the US and it takes about three months to arrive in Malaysia, but locally manufactured can be delivered to the destination in just two hours. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of this shipping process should be taken into account when evaluating the environmental impact of the product.” 

Eco Casket currently has several product lines for different needs, including cremation, international transport, rental caskets and pet remains. 

As awareness of the Eco Casket continues to grow, it is anticipated that casket manufacturing will offer a greater variety of options in the future. Irrespective of the material from which the casket is constructed, it is evident that the casket plays a fundamental role in the funeral ceremony. In essence, the coffin serves as the final resting place of the deceased, bearing the respect and remembrance of the living.

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