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Mushrooms Replace Coffins: A Greener Funeral
19 Jan
Summary
- Loop Biotech grows funeral products from mycelium, a mushroom root network.
- Products decompose naturally, enriching soil rather than polluting it.
- The Loop Living Cocoon coffin is the world's first mushroom-based burial option.
In the Netherlands, Loop Biotech is pioneering a sustainable approach to end-of-life ceremonies by cultivating funeral products from mycelium, the underground root system of mushrooms. This innovative method offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional burial and cremation practices, which contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
The company's products, including the renowned Loop Living Cocoon coffin, are grown using mycelium combined with upcycled hemp fibers. This natural binding process replaces harmful glues and metals. Cultivated in approximately seven days, these items are designed to decompose naturally within 45 days of burial, actively enriching the soil.
Loop Biotech aims to integrate seamlessly with existing funeral traditions, ensuring no disruption to cemeteries or procedures. Their offerings, like the Loop EarthRise urn and Loop ForestBed, prioritize a return to the earth, promoting microbial life and soil quality. This initiative represents a significant shift towards minimizing environmental impact even after death.
