The world's first mushroom coffin
Loop Biotech B.V.
The Loop Living Cocoon™ is a biodegradable coffin made from fungal mycelium and upcycled hemp fibres. It decomposes completely within 45 days, actively enriching the biodiversity of the soil. Fungi are natural recyclers that transform organic matter and pollutants into new life. Its use in the funeral industry – rather than in the packaging industry, for example – encourages us to rethink materials and values and promotes a conscious relationship with nature.
Award winner 2025 in the category »Produkt«»The mushroom coffin, which is already available on the market, grows from mycelium and recycled hemp fibers in just seven days. It is completely biodegradable and turns into fertile soil after burial. An innovative example of circular design that closes material cycles and rethinks burial.«
Paula Raché
Three questions for Jolien Meirlevede, Social Media & Marketing Manager
How did the idea for “Loop Living Cocoon™” first come about?
The idea originates from the graduation project of founder Bob Hendrikx at the Delft University of Technology. Here, he studied how to collaborate with nature and living organisms to design our everyday objects, and set out to create a new generation of products. Ones that enrich it, instead of pollute it. In the forest he found his answer in mycelium: the root network of mushrooms and nature's biggest recycler. Continuously transforming dead organic matter into new life by releasing nutrients. A quiet force, powering the cycle of life beneath our feet.
Were there any breakthrough moments in the course of development? What were the biggest obstacles you faced?
The funeral industry is a traditional market with many long-standing customs and rituals. It's important that our products fit seamlessly in existing practices. Therefore, we have been in continuous contact with funeral experts and families to come up with the perfect design for our mushroom funeral products.
What are the next steps for your project as you look to the future?
We are on a mission to enrich nature with the world's first mushroom funeral products. We've already helped over 2.500 families worldwide and have the ambition to make eco positive funerals the new standard in the funeral industry. We have already launched in the UK, US, and Canada this year (2025) and have been active in The Netherlands and Germany for a few years. Funeral entrepreneurs are already available to order with us directly, and we have big ambitions to expand our mission to other parts of the world as well.
