Crematorium operators are refusing to accept "eco-friendly"cardboard coffins imported from China because of the high emissions andamount of ash they produce.
Funeral directors say Christchurch'sprivately-owned crematoriums have written to them saying they will nolonger accept the Ecocoffins, imported by Christchurch man John Guthrey.
The coffins are made of cardboard with an oak veneer.
CrematoriumSociety of Canterbury general manager Barbara Terry said the coffinscould be used for burials but not burnt in cremators because of theamount of ash they produced and for safety reasons.
"There is nocredible data or research that can make us feel confident the emissionsfrom this product are of acceptable standards," Ms Terry told The Pressnewspaper.
She said the coffins left a "tremendous amount of flyash" which didn't combust and settled among the remains of deceasedpeople "like a tacky attachment".
"It is a sensitive issue and we must take care to return ashes to the family to our satisfaction."
Ms Terry said she was also concerned for crematorium staff as theEcocoffins combusted almost immediately they entered the cremator anddidn't allow staff enough time to properly close the door.
North Canterbury Crematorium Ltd manager Phil Seal said the caskets weren't eco-friendly.
"They are okay for burial but not for cremation."
Mr Guthrey said the caskets had been tested by a British company and were used regularly in the United Kingdom.
Hesaid he was working with regional council Environment Canterbury and ascientist and hoped to have the Ecocoffins accepted by crematoriumowners as soon as possible.
"I dispute there is any problem with physically putting them in the burner."
- NZPA
狗仔卡
发表于 2008-6-20 22:53
提升卡
变色卡
抢沙发
千斤顶
显身卡
建议它们都去海葬吧。
