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Those crossing the River Styx are increasingly travelling in wicker and bamboo coffins, Britain's biggest funerals group said today.
Mike McCollum, chief executive of Dignity, said: “More people are opting for green funerals, with either wicker or bamboo coffins.” He attributed this both to fashion and the perception that the caskets are better for the environment.
Pre-tax profits rose 7% to £24.3 million for the six months to 25 June, on sales 5.5% up at £100.9 million. Although the number of deaths was slightly lower than last year, Dignity's customers are spending more.
“People want to give their relatives a good send-off,” McCollum explained. Dignity plans to return cash to shareholders, with analysts expecting the transaction to complete in September. The divi was up 10% at 4.4p.
