We are pleased to offer a selection of Paulownia coffins in partnership with Finest Funerals Ltd.
In Asia, we sourced a solid hardwood called Paulownia. This we considered to be an amazing alternative to oak. It is light weight, sustainable, fast growing, readily available and stable. It also benefits from having a very high strength to weight ratio, exceeding most hardwoods, including oak.
Lightweight
The solid coffins weigh less than 15kg each. Due to the way the veneer coffins are constructed, they weigh even less.
Sustainable
The Paulownia tree grows in plantations on a sustained basis. It is unique as the tree, when cut, re-grows by instinct, saving the need for re-planting. The tree also grows to a girth ready for harvesting in only
5 to 10 years (depending on width of the cut required). This is half the growing time of oak or pine.
Readily Available
This wood is not well known in the UK. However, in Asia the wood has been traditionally used for construction and furniture for many years. It is grown in plantations, often with cereal crops beneath it.
Stable
The Paulownia wood is very lightweight because it contains very little moisture. For this reason it is very stable and does not twist and warp as much as other hardwoods. It also absorbs wood stains readily.
Strength
In tests we have found the strength of the wood to exceed the parameters of what is required for a coffin. The wood, because of its ‘honey comb’ structure, tends to bend rather than snap or splinter. This makes it ideal for coffin making, especially when weight is a significant factor, e.g. in repatriation coffins and oversized coffins.
Our Environment
We have visited the factories we use in the Far East and have been assured they are reputable and are of comparable standards in terms of Health and Safety and staff welfare The staff wages, their political freedoms and their countries' cultural regimes differ greatly to our own.