Are Caskets Burned During Cremation?

Once the body is ready to be cremated, it is placed inside a cremation container/casket. The container or casket must be sturdy enough to hold the body and be made out of a combustible material so that its entirety can be destroyed during the process. Even the handles are burned during cremation.

Crematoria in the UK follow a strict code of practice which states that a casket and its contents must be placed in the crematorium chamber exactly as it is received. Therefore, the body is not removed from the casket, and yes, the casket is burned along with the body.

Is a Coffin Necessary for Cremation?

When a body is ready to be cremated and enters the cremation chamber, it is a legal requirement that it be placed within a rigid, fully combustible container. A container of some sort is required as it shelters and protects the deceased during transportation while also ensuring that the crematorium employees work in a dignified and safe manner when handling the body. In addition to this, crematorium operators are not licensed to handle human remains directly, hence the need for a container. Therefore, it is clear that the body cannot be cremated without being in some sort of container.

This container need not be an extravagant casket if your expenses are tight. It can be anything from a traditional coffin to a simple cardboard box. Whether or not you need a casket for the cremation depends on the type of cremation you choose. If the family wishes to have a funeral service prior to the cremation, then a beautifully constructed wooden casket to present the body may be ideal. This will allow the body to be viewed at the service and have family and friends pay their final respects before the body gets transported to the crematorium.