Kelp Casket :Eco-friendly Coffin Design
Independent Project | ENSCI, Paris, January 2022
Project Overview
The Kelp Casket rethinks traditional coffin design by using a biodegradable composite of kelp, recycled paper pulp, and natural corn starch glue. Developed in response to France’s new legislation allowing alternatives to wood, the project combines abundant, renewable resources to create a lightweight, strong, and environmentally friendly option for burial or cremation. This innovative design addresses the stringent requirements of coffin production—durability, impermeability, and flammability—while embracing circularity, returning nutrients to the soil when buried or burning cleanly in cremation.
Material Development
Through rigorous experimentation, the project refined a material that balances strength, flexibility, and environmental sustainability. Kelp, a fast-growing and renewable resource, was combined with recycled paper pulp and natural adhesives to form a composite that is lightweight, malleable, and durable. Key findings included:- Material Ratios: Balancing seaweed and pulp affected strength and flexibility, with higher pulp content improving durability and combustion.
- Manufacturing Process: Compression moulding and heat-drying techniques allowed for scalable production while accommodating the material’s natural shrinkage.
- Environmental Impact: Farming kelp improves water quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen while recycling paper pulp reduces waste.
Key Design Features
To minimise production costs and maximise efficiency, the Kelp Casket utilised a 180° rotational mould design. This modular system allowed the same mould to produce multiple components, reducing equipment needs and optimising the use of resources. The final product was designed to be strong yet lightweight, easy to transport, and leakproof, ensuring it meets all functional and legislative requirements.Project Goals
- Develop a biodegradable, flammable, and impermeable material suitable for coffin production.
- Replace wood with a low-impact alternative made from renewable resources.
- Create a scalable, cost-effective manufacturing process that aligns with environmental values.
- Offer a respectful and sustainable design that honours life’s cycle while reducing its ecological footprint.