Loop, a startup in the Netherlands, has developed a living coffin composed of woodchips, moss and mushrooms that decomposes while simultaneously composting human remains.

Designed to resemble traditional coffins, the compostable coffins dubbed Living Cocoons decompose in a matter of 30 to 45 days versus traditional coffins that, with their varnished wood and metal handles, tend to take more than a decade to decompose.

Source: Loop

Decomposition of the human remains inside the coffin is hastened by mycelium, which is the root structure of mushrooms that converts waste into nutrients for the Earth. In other words, human remains are essentially used to enrich plants and other surrounding vegetation as the body decomposes.

Altogether, the moss, woodchips and mycelium mixture grows into a solid mass organism. Following a natural drying process where mold is removed, the mycelium is inactivated. However, when placed in the ground, the mycelium is then reactivated when introduced to ground moisture, thereby triggering the decomposition process.

So far, Loop has signed a deal to supply the Living Cocoons to a local Netherlands funeral home.