From Kolkata to New Zealand: How a Fair-Trade Casket and Urn Company is Changing the Funeral Industry
Who knew that a business trip to Kolkata, India, would eventually lead to the birth of a sustainable, fair-trade casket and urn company in New Zealand?
Meet Jo Harris, Founder and Managing Director of Jibana, a locally owned and operated family business, based out of Auckland’s North Shore. Jibana supplies beautiful, eco-friendly and socially conscious caskets and urns to funeral homes throughout NZ, including Windsor Funerals.
“If you had asked me a few years ago whether I would be doing something like this, my answer would be no,” Jo laughs. “At the time I was in the second-half of my life and searching for a new direction. My children were grown and starting families of their own, and I was looking for a change of direction.”
Having experienced tremendous personal loss, including her parents, at a young age, Jo understands the immense emotional weight of saying goodbye and making decisions when farewelling loved ones.
This understanding, combined with her passion for caring for people and the environment, led her to an unexpected opportunity that would change everything.
While supporting a business in India, Jo’s husband, Grant, became aware of David, owner of a business in Bangladesh. That serendipitous connection provided Jo with the opportunity to bring eco-friendly and sustainable caskets to the New Zealand market.
“It felt like the perfect fit because I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and the environment,” she says. “All of it was a win-win for me.”
And so, Jibana was born.
Jibana partners with a certified business located in the district of Nilphamari in Bangladesh, a district that faces seasonal unemployment, extreme poverty, and childhood vulnerability.
In response to these challenges, the business employs 150 skilled artisans who craft caskets and urns from natural sustainable materials. The artisans receive fair wages, providing stability and economic opportunity for their families.
Jibana’s collection of handwoven natural coffins are made from biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials such as willow, bamboo, seagrass, and jute.
“Our collection offers a range of elegant, soft options that provide a more comforting farewell, while also being kind to the environment,” Jo explains.
Eco-Friendly Caskets and Urns
Seagrass: Sourced from the freshwater plants abundant in the Noakhali district of Bangladesh, these sun-dried, spun, and woven caskets offer a gentle and natural aesthetic.
Willow: Hand-woven onto bamboo frames, Jibena’s willow coffins come in a traditional oval shape and are available in both chestnut and natural colour. Each piece is crafted with care and reflects timeless elegance.
Bamboo: Made from locally grown, sustainably managed bamboo plants in Bangladesh. Jibena’s caskets are produced in a close partnership with 40 local farmers, ensuring fair wages and positive community relationships.
Jute: This unique material is sourced from local farms. After harvesting during the monsoon season, the jute fibres are processed and woven into a beautiful fabric, making Jibana a pioneer in incorporating jute into casket manufacturing.
It’s so rewarding receiving the positive feedback from families that use products from the Jibana collection,” says Jo. “Especially knowing that, simultaneously, we are helping Bangladeshi families get jobs, homes and feed their family.”
Jibana’s dedication extends beyond the products to include exceptional customer care. They understand the sensitivity and urgency often required in accessing a chosen casket or urn in tight time frames. With this in mind, they offer fast collection options from their Auckland location.
Windsor Funerals is proud to partner with Jibana, a forward thinking business that is both environmentally and socially impactful. Our team loves partnering with businesses that have a deep respect for the environment and the communities in which they operate. You can view and purchase Jibana caskets through Windsor Funerals location. Contact our team to learn more.