Dutch sustainable funeral company Loop Biotech has marked an Australian first, with one of its mushroom-based mycelium coffins used for a burial at Springwood Cemetery in the Blue Mountains.

The Loop Living Cocoon is made from mycelium — the root structure of mushrooms — combined with upcycled hemp fibres. Developed in the Netherlands by Loop Biotech founder Bob Hendrikx, the coffin is designed to break down naturally and return to the soil.

The burial is the first known use of the product in Australia and marks Loop Biotech’s entry into the local market through a partnership with Australian memorial company Arrow Bronze.

The development is another example of Dutch innovation finding a place in Australia, this time in the emerging field of more sustainable funeral practices.

Read more or listen to the SBS Dutch interview with Loop Biotech founder Bob Hendrikx.