Natural Burial Shrouds:
A Gentle, Eco-Friendly Farewell
Embrace a simple and sustainable return to nature with our biodegradable burial shrouds.
At Rounce Funeral Services, we offer environmentally conscious alternatives that honour life with dignity, care, and deep respect for the earth.
Let us help you create a meaningful farewell that aligns with your values and traditions.
What is a Burial Shroud?
A burial shroud is a fabric wrap used to enclose the body for burial.
Traditionally crafted from natural, biodegradable materials such as cotton, linen, wool, or hemp, shrouds decompose naturally, ensuring that the burial process remains in harmony with the environment.
They are often accompanied by a woven willow stretcher, which enhances both practicality and sustainability.
The Benefits of Choosing a Burial Shroud
1. Environmentally Sustainable
Shrouds are made from biodegradable materials, avoiding the use of hardwoods, metals, and synthetic materials commonly found in traditional coffins. This significantly reduces the ecological footprint of a burial and supports the conservation of natural burial sites.
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2. 100% Natural and Biodegradable
Our shrouds are made from tightly woven yarn, a highly sustainable and renewable material, ensuring they break down naturally over time. Our willow stretcher is woven with dark barked willow which gives it a rustic, earthy appearance. Both are 100% bio-degradable and ideal for natural burial, allowing for a complete return to the earth without leaving any lasting impact.
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3. No Embalming Required
Since shrouded burials are typically carried out swiftly, they eliminate the need for embalming chemicals, which can seep into the soil and disrupt local ecosystems. This ensures a more natural and eco-conscious farewell.
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4. Simplicity and Elegance
Shrouds offer a minimalist approach to burial, focusing on the essence of a respectful and dignified farewell. They provide a gentle and intimate way of laying a loved one to rest, honouring their life without the excess of traditional funeral elements.
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5. Deep Cultural and Spiritual Meaning
Burial shrouds hold deep significance in various religious and cultural traditions, symbolising the natural cycle of life and the return to the earth. Many faiths, including Judaism, Islam, and some Christian denominations, have long embraced shrouding as a sacred burial practice.
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6. A Cost-Effective Option
Choosing a burial shroud is not only an environmentally conscious decision but also an affordable alternative to a traditional coffin. At Rounce Funeral Services, we offer a biodegradable burial shroud and handcrafted willow stretcher together for £500, providing a simple, dignified, and meaningful farewell that respects both your loved one and the planet.
Choosing the Right Burial Shroud
At Rounce Funeral Services, we are committed to providing burial shrouds of the highest quality, crafted with sustainability and ethical sourcing in mind. Our shrouds and willow stretchers are carefully designed to honour both the departed and the planet.
Sustainable and Ethical Craftsmanship
Our supplier has been supplying World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) accredited products for over 15 years, ensuring fair working conditions and environmental responsibility. Many of our shrouds are made in the UK, while those produced outside the UK or EU come from carefully monitored workshops dedicated to improving local craftsmanship and protecting natural resources.
100% Natural and Biodegradable
Our burial shrouds are made from tightly woven, sustainable yarns that naturally break down over time. They contain no plastics, metals, screws, or staples, ensuring a truly eco-friendly farewell.
Fair Trade Certified
Many of our suppliers' internationally sourced products come from Fair Trade certified companies, making them the only UK eco-friendly coffin manufacturer to offer WFTO-accredited options. Fair Trade promotes transparency, equity, and sustainability, benefiting communities and the environment alike.
Minimal Environmental Impact
Our shrouds are made from renewable materials, ensuring minimal ecological footprint.
We use responsibly harvested willow for our stretchers, a tree that regenerates from the same crown for 30 to 40 years, making it one of the most sustainable materials available.
Our products are designed for efficient shipping, reducing fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
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Choosing a burial shroud from Rounce Funeral Services means choosing a farewell that reflects care, dignity, and respect for the environment.
The Burial Process with a Shroud
Shroud burials involve a hands-on and natural approach to the funeral process.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Preparation: The body is gently washed, wrapped in the shroud, and secured with ties or fabric folds. Family members may choose to take part in this process as an intimate act of care and remembrance.
2. Transportation: The shrouded body is carried on a willow stretcher and transported to the burial site using a hearse, estate car, or alternative vehicle.
3. Interment: Upon arrival at the natural burial ground, the body is carefully lowered into the grave, allowing for a seamless return to the soil. Some burial sites encourage the addition of natural elements, such as leaves, flowers, or herbs, as part of the ceremony.
Honouring Life with Sustainable Choices
Opting for a burial shroud over a traditional coffin reflects a deep respect for both the departed and the planet.
At Rounce Funeral Services, we are committed to offering eco-friendly funeral options that align with your values and beliefs. Whether you choose a simple unbleached fabric or a beautifully handcrafted shroud, this approach to burial provides a meaningful and environmentally responsible farewell.
If you would like to learn more about shroud burials or discuss your options with us, please get in touch. We are here to support you in making compassionate and sustainable choices for your loved one’s final journey.
Speak to Us About Natural Burial Options
We understand that choosing a burial shroud and arranging a natural burial is a deeply personal decision. Our caring team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring a farewell that reflects your values and wishes.
