Story from Jam Press (Coffin Making)
Pictured: A videograb of Sophia showing how to make a coffin.
British woman helps people make their own COFFINS to ‘reduce anxiety’ and help the planet
A woman is helping people craft their own willow coffins in an effort to help the planet.
Sophia Campbell-Shaw uses sustainable materials to run coffin weaving workshops.
Woven Farewell gives people the chance to make a coffin for themselves or a loved one.
The hands-on experience allows customers to bring family members, including children, to help.
The process is said to reduce anxiety around coffins, particularly ahead of an upcoming funeral.
The idea stemmed from Sophia’s own heartbreak after the death of her mother and later her sister, who was killed in action in Syria.
Sophia’s unique, environmentally friendly business has seen her bag three prestigious awards.
Sophia received a gold award for Best Product and the silver award for Best Green Business at the Best Businesswomen Awards 2024.
She was also named the Best Coffin Supplier at The Good Funeral Awards, as reported by Need To Know.
Sophia now aims to take her business, which is based in Luppitt, Devon, to the next level by expanding to the East Midlands with the help of her passionate employee Abi Griffin.
Despite the funeral industry being dominated by men, Sophia boasts an all women team.
Woven Farewell is also working towards offering sustainable rental coffins.
A rental coffin is a coffin that can be used for a funeral service and then returned or reused.
Rental coffins can be a more affordable option than purchasing a traditional coffin, which can cost thousands of pounds.
Rental coffins can also be more environmentally friendly, as they can be made from sustainable materials like willow.
Sophia Campbell-Shaw said: “The funeral industry is a huge polluter.
“The estimated carbon emissions for one funeral in this country can amount to 400kg of CO 2 - that’s equivalent to charging mo