Why A Coffin Is Required for Ottawa Cremation Services?

As a provider of cremation services in Ottawa, we get a lot of questions about the process – and one of the most common questions that pops up is “Why do we have to buy a coffin?”  It’s a fair question.  At first glance, it doesn’t seem to make much sense that a coffin would be required for a cremation.  However, there’s a bit more to it than that.  
So, in this article, we wanted to simply talk about why Ottawa cremation services require coffins.

Why Is A Coffin Required for A Cremation?

The short and simple answer is this: because a funeral home will not be the only organization handling the human remains, and there must be a way of transporting those remains which is both dignified and safe for the handlers.
In particular, it’s rare for a funeral home to have the cremation facilities on-site.  Cremation facilities require high levels of cleanliness and oversight, so they are generally separate.  The remains have to be transported from the funeral home to the facilities.  Further, they must be transported within a container which will be safe and ecologically-friendly to burn.  Traditional “body bags” from morgues are not, nor are they a dignified way for your loved one’s remains to be transported.
Also, there is the matter of sanitation. Remains should not ever be handled directly, not until after the cremation process is completed.  A coffin provides a simple and safe way for the crematorium workers to handle the remains.
So, a coffin is required because it’s the best, easiest, and safest way to transport the remains between facilities.
However, be aware that nothing says the coffin must be fancy or expensive.  Many offering Ottawa cremation services will offer coffins made of particle board, plywood, or even cardboard. These minimize wasted resources, while still providing protection to both the remains and the workers handling those remains.
Even though a coffin is required, it does not have to add substantially to the costs of putting your loved one to rest.

First Memorial Funeral Services Offers Affordable Cremation Services in Ottawa

First Memorial Funeral Services was founded on the idea that it’s possible to lay a loved one to rest in a dignified and cost-effective manner.  Please contact us to learn more about our services.