When life comes to an end, our bodies return to the natural cycle. And that final journey calls for a final choice of clothing. For the most natural possible circle of life, there is now sustainable funeral attire made from fabrics that are fully biodegradable.
A Favorite Sweater or a Beautiful Suit?
His favorite sweater, or perhaps a nice suit? Her favorite dress, or maybe that blouse she loved so much? Choosing the last outfit someone will wear is an important part of saying goodbye. Beyond the colors, fabrics, and garments that represent who they were, another factor is increasingly considered: sustainability. For natural burials, only natural materials are permitted, but even for a traditional burial or cremation, biodegradable funeral clothing is on the rise. This eco-friendly development is more than just a trend. It’s a conscious decision to show respect for nature.
Whether you opt for hemp, organic cotton, or wool—every environmentally friendly clothing alternative contributes to a greener future. Much of the clothing we wear daily contains materials like polyester, nylon, or a blend of synthetic fibers, all of which have a long decomposition time and do not positively impact the environment. If you select funeral attire from someone’s personal wardrobe, be sure to check the fabric content. A cotton shirt or blouse, a wool sweater, suit, or dress—most closets will have at least a few beautiful pieces that are also biodegradable.
Organic Funeral Clothing
Not too long ago, it was common to bury the deceased in a shroud known as a “doodshemd” in Dutch. This white linen garment was traditionally part of everyone’s trousseau and was first worn on the wedding night, only to reappear upon one’s death. It was a powerful symbol of how life and death are deeply interconnected. Linen is a natural, fully biodegradable fabric. Nowadays, there are also stylish burial shrouds made from cotton, hemp, or wool. Paired with a “wade” (a cloth used to wrap the deceased), this creates a warm, loving image. The soft fabric of the wade also invites a final, gentle touch.
Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant and has been used for thousands of years, including in religious rites in ancient Egypt. Hemp is one of the most sustainable materials because it grows rapidly and requires very little water; hemp fabric feels slightly rougher than linen. Organic cotton is another excellent choice for a sustainable funeral. It is soft, breathable, and comfortable. Lastly, wool is warm and comforting, making it a cozy option for a wade. Dutch wool or wool made from leftover materials is particularly sustainable. Whichever biodegradable material you prefer, each helps ensure a harmonious return to nature.
A Soft Place to Rest
Beyond the clothing worn at the funeral, there’s also the question of the coffin or bier. At Loop Biotech, we produce the world’s first mushroom-based funeral coffins made from hemp and mycelium—the underground root network of mushrooms. Our
Loop Living Cocoon™,
Loop ForestBed™, and
Loop EarthRise™ are grown in seven days and fully rejoin the natural environment. These living coffins and biers come standard with a soft bed and Dutch moss pillow. It’s also possible to choose sustainable textiles for the interior. For instance, the cocoon and bier can be tastefully lined with 100% Dutch wool from Kempic heath sheep, or you could opt for an elegant hemp interior or a soft organic cotton lining. Each version comes with a matching pillow and blanket, and wades made from the same natural materials are also available from our range.
Wool from sheep that help maintain the natural landscape in the Kempen region, Mediterranean hemp that thrives with minimal water, and organic cotton sustainably produced in Europe—all our textiles, like the moss we use, are pure nature. The creamy-white wool is used in tufts as a filling, creating a stylish final resting place. The hemp is spun and woven locally into an elegant fabric for a refined finish. Both are GreenLeave certified. The organic cotton has a GOTS label and is a slightly thicker, knitted material that’s brushed on both sides to make it light and soft.
Feel free to read more here about our
sustainable and personalized accessories.
