BELGIUM BIODEGRADABLE COFFINS

Belgian Gerald Buckinx, one of the three owners of Arteus Europa company, displays an Arka 'EcoPod' coffin at their shop in Brussels, February 16, 2005. The 'EcoPod' is a new concept of ecological coffins which are entirely hand-manufactured and made with recycled materials, including cellulose fibres, plant varnish and maize glue. The coffins are very light, fully biodegradable when buried and emit less CO2 gas when cremated than wooden ones. REUTERS/Thierry Roge