Cremation containers are exactly like they sound. But technically a cremation container could refer to a few receptacles that are used throughout the cremation process.
Plus, there are a lot of different styles of cremation containers.
This post is providing clarification and more detail on this little talked about aspect of flame cremation. Let’s jump into the types of cremation containers that are used and how they fit into the death care services.
Cremation Containers For Holding the Body
Despite what is seen in movies and on TV, a body isn’t simply placed on a table that’s slid into the cremation chamber. In real life, the process for handling the deceased is much more respectful and controlled for safety purposes.
Like so many aspects of death care, there are regulations for cremation containers that are used to hold the body. This is partly because there are certain things that can’t be cremated with the body. In general they must be:
- Leak-proof
- Combustible
- Strong enough to hold a person
The cremation container is very simple, and should contain little to no metal. And it’s worth noting that each state will dictate what can be used for the cremation container. But as it turns out, today families have many options for the cremation container that will hold the deceased and can be cremated along with the body.
Cardboard Cremation Containers
The most basic of containers is a cardboard receptacle that has been reinforced. This isn’t the standard cardboard that’s used for moving boxes. These cardboard containers have a double-walled construction that makes them much sturdier. They can also be constructed with wood strips for added reinforcement.
Cardboard cremation containers are the most affordable option. They typically only cost up to $200, and are a popular choice for direct cremation.
Fiberboard Containers
Another option is fiberboard. It’s a type of engineered wood that is created by bonding recycled wood, plant fibers and wood fibers together with high levels of pressure and heat.
While fiberboard is generally safe, sometimes it’s not recommended for cremation because burning it can release pollutants. Those pollutants include formaldehyde, the same dangerous substance found in embalming fluid. The better option is to opt for untreated, natural wood.
Fiberboard cremation containers are also very affordable. They’re usually around the same price as a cardboard container.
Wood Caskets
One of the most common options that is regularly used is a plain wooden casket. These are often referred to as a cremation casket because they are so commonly used.
A traditional cremation casket can be made of pine or even plywood. Oak and poplar are also used for these simple containers.
Wood caskets tend to be the most expensive cremation containers, generally ranging between a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Today, there are alternative options for the cremation container that are even more eco-friendly than a plain pine casket. The materials that are used are sustainable, biodegradable and free of finishes and embellishments that aren’t good to incinerate. Some common alternative materials for cremation containers include:
Bamboo – Bamboo is considered sustainable because it is very fast growing and can be harvested in an environmentally-friendly way.
Willow – Like bamboo, willow is a sustainable material. It’s woven together to make the container. While it does allow for good airflow, it may not meet state regulations unless it is lined and reinforced.
Seagrass – Another option for biodegradable cremation containers and natural burial is seagrass. The seagrass is woven around a frame that’s made of willow. Again, this option may not be possible for cremation due to state regulations.
Cloth Covered Cremation Casket
Another unique option is a cremation container that has a cardboard, fiberwood, wood or plywood base and frame with fabric that’s used for the rest of the exterior. The fabric is often decorative and can be highly personalized for a desired style.
While this isn’t a common option, it is low-cost and can be environmentally-friendly.
Cremation Containers and Funeral Services
If the family decides to have a viewing or funeral service prior to the cremation, then the cremation container may play a bigger role. Rather than renting a casket for the services and having a separate cremation casket, some families choose to use the cremation casket for the funeral or viewing.
One advantage of a plain wooden casket is that the family can personalize it. Different finishes and adornments can be used, or it can be painted.
Another option that could be more affordable is to rent a casket that has a cremation container insert inside. After the funeral services the deceased and the insert are removed. This is often recommended if the family wants to use a more ornate casket for the funeral services that isn’t suitable for cremation.
Cremation Containers For Temporarily Holding the Cremated Remains
There is another type of cremation container that comes into play after the body is cremated. Shortly after the cremation, the cremains will be prepared. Once they are, the cremains will be put into a temporary cremation container. The container is typically made of plastic or cardboard. At Cremation.Green we use a recyclable cardboard cremation container for this purpose.
This is what the family will receive from the funeral home. That is, unless they have gotten an urn for long-term storage and arranged to have the crematorium or funeral home use it instead of a temporary cremation container.
Cremation.green specializes in eco-friendly death care services that take into account every aspect of the cremation, including the cremation containers. Only recyclable, natural and sustainable materials are used for our services.
If you’d like to know more about cremation containers or any other part of the cremation process, please call, text or email us whenever is most convenient.
