Outside of the Box Caskets

A different approach to coffins

For many years, coffin design changed very little. The choices available often felt traditional, uniform, and disconnected from the individuality of the person being remembered

Outside the Box Caskets were created to offer something different. A modern alternative that combines simplicity, sustainability, and design, while remaining entirely appropriate for use within a funeral setting. The result is a range of coffins that feel contemporary without losing the dignity and familiarity expected at such an important moment.

Where it began

Outside the Box Caskets began in New Zealand, following designer Becs Bartells’ experience attending her Nana’s funeral.

Struck by the lack of meaningful choice available, she began exploring how a coffin could feel more personal, more natural, and more reflective of modern values and lifestyles.

With a background in industrial design, Becs approached the project from a different perspective, rethinking not only the materials used but also the overall shape, structure, and experience of the coffin itself.

What began as an idea in a garage workshop evolved through years of development into an award-winning casket range now used by funeral directors and families across the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Designed in New Zealand Made in the UK

At Somerset Willow, we recognised early on that Outside the Box offered something genuinely different.

Since entering the funeral sector in 1998, we have focused on providing families with meaningful alternatives to traditional coffins, products shaped by changing attitudes towards sustainability, simplicity, and personalisation.

Partnering with Outside the Box felt like a natural extension of that approach.

While the original design was developed in New Zealand, each casket supplied in the UK is manufactured and assembled here, combining proven design with local production and quality control. It is a collaboration built around sustainability and offering families wider choice.

Designed for practical use

Every aspect of the casket has been developed with the practical requirements of a funeral setting in mind.

The distinctive shape, dual-wall construction, solid base, and integrated handle system all contribute to a coffin that feels familiar and dependable.

Outside the Box Caskets have been independently load tested to 300kg and certified through the FFMA Coffin, Casket and Shroud Certification Scheme in conjunction with Intertek.

Suitable for burial, green burial, and cremation, the range has been developed to meet the expectations of both funeral directors and families alike.

Materials and sustainability

The caskets are manufactured using high-performance corrugated board made from a blend of recycled content and responsibly sourced fibres.

Free from MDF, plastic, and metal components, the construction has been intentionally simplified while still maintaining the strength and reliability required.

The board material is fully recyclable and compostable, with virgin fibre sourced through FSC-certified supply chains supporting responsible forest management.

Manufacturing and assembly also take place in the UK, helping to reduce unnecessary transportation while supporting local production and quality control.

A wider choice for families

Not every family wants the same kind of farewell.

For some, the appeal lies in the simplicity of the material and design. For others, it is the opportunity to personalise the coffin with colour, messages or artwork that reflects the individual being remembered.

Whether left plain, printed, or personalised, Outside the Box Caskets are intended to offer families a more personal and thoughtful alternative at an important moment in life.

What makes Outside the Box different

Outside the Box Caskets combine clever construction, carefully selected materials and a softer contemporary shape. Available in plain kraft and selected printed designs, the range gives funeral directors and families another option when a traditional coffin does not feel right.

Designed with purpose

A softer, contemporary coffin shape developed to feel familiar, practical and understated.

Made in the UK

Manufactured and assembled by Somerset Willow using carefully controlled production.

Independently tested

Load tested and certified through the FFMA scheme in conjunction with Intertek.

Considered materials

Made using high-performance corrugated board with no MDF, plastic or metal.

Our Story

Designed in New Zealand. Made in the UK