JC Atkinson, part of the Newable Group, has acquired Oasis Coffins, a leading manufacturer of sustainable coffins. We had the opportunity to speak with David How, Co-founder of Oasis Coffins and Greg Cranfield, CEO of JC Atkinson, to delve into the unique aspects of Oasis and what sets them apart in the industry.
The JC Atkinson & Oasis Team. David How (left), and Greg Cranfield (second from the right).
Q: Tell us about Oasis Coffins?
David How (DH): Oasis Coffins is based in a beautiful corner of rural north-west Bangladesh, surrounded by villages, rice fields, and natural resources like bamboo and jute. My wife and I founded the company over 12 years ago when we recognised the potential of using local materials in economically disadvantaged communities. These natural fibres—bamboo, banana leaves, jute, and water hyacinth—are often underutilised, and by adding value through product design and market access, we’ve been able to create well-paid jobs. This not only helps the community economically but also leverages its natural resources in a sustainable way. From the beginning, we partnered with JC Atkinson, and our relationship has grown over the years.
Q: Oasis has been acquired by JC Atkinson, a leading UK coffin manufacturer. Why is this exciting for Oasis?
DH: The acquisition brings stability and growth opportunities to Oasis. JC Atkinson’s expertise and market presence, particularly in the UK, will allow us to expand into new markets and continue growing locally. This means we can increase employment and deepen our impact in the community. It’s an incredibly energising time for the whole team.
Q: What does this acquisition mean to JC Atkinson?
Greg Cranfield (GC): For JC Atkinson, the acquisition of Oasis Coffins is a strategic move that expands our market presence and strengthens our capabilities. It enables us to enter new segments, leverage synergies between both companies, and offer a more comprehensive product range. Beyond that, it bolsters our supply chain, making us more resilient to market fluctuations, and gives us the capacity to serve both existing and new customers more effectively.
Q: How does Oasis support the community in Bangladesh?
DH: We see our main role as providing secure, well-paid jobs that uplift people in the area. These positions help our employees build their homes, educate their children, and lift their families out of poverty. We also invest in upskilling through training on health, nutrition, decision-making, and communication. Partnering with other organisations, we’re able to offer broader support to our workers beyond just employment.
Q: What products do Oasis offer?
DH: We specialise in making coffins from natural materials like willow, seagrass, bamboo, jute, water hyacinth, and banana leaf. We also manufacture matching urns and continually innovate—our flat-packed jute coffin is an example of this, offering easy assembly and efficient transport. It’s an exciting new product that we’ve even patented.
Q: Can you share more details about the new products and how they differ from your existing offerings?
GC: One of the standout products is the flat-pack jute coffin, which is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and ethically sourced through fair-trade partnerships. This product not only reduces environmental impact through its materials but also through its efficient design, which cuts down on transportation emissions. Compared to our traditional wooden coffins, these new offerings place a stronger emphasis on sustainability and social ethics, tapping into the growing demand for green funerals. This product line shows our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and supporting fair trade principles.
Oasis employee harvesting the raw jute, which is then put through a weaving machine to produce jute fabric for the coffins.
Q: Can you provide more details on the fair-trade processes used at Oasis?
DH: Oasis Coffins is a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organisation, and we fully adhere to its 10 Principles of Fair Trade. Our practices are regularly audited, both internally and externally, to ensure compliance. For example, we use living wage models to guarantee that our staff are paid fairly. Additionally, we work tirelessly to minimise waste, add value to our materials, and raise awareness through events like World Fair Trade Day and International Women’s Day. Our team members enjoy permanent contracts, savings funds, mental health training, and the support of an active workers’ association, which ensures that management and staff stay connected and move forward together.
Q: What motivated the decision to expand your product range at this time?
GC: Several factors, including shifting market trends, customer demand, and competitive pressures, influenced this decision. The funeral industry is evolving with a greater focus on sustainability, and by expanding our product range now, we can stay ahead of these trends. It also allows us to cater to a wider audience, ensuring our relevance and positioning us as leaders in the green funeral space. Financially and strategically, this was the right time to make the investment.
Q: How do Oasis Coffins make a positive impact?
DH: The positive impact is rooted in how we process materials and design products. By adding value to low-cost natural materials, we can create employment in areas where jobs are scarce. This gives us the ability to provide stable incomes to local communities, which is a transformative force for good.
Q: What does the future of JC Atkinson and Oasis look like?
GC: Post-acquisition, the future looks promising. By combining forces, we’ll be able to innovate faster and meet a broader spectrum of customer needs. We’ll focus on operational efficiencies, growing our market share, and developing new sustainable products. Together, we aim to become a leader in eco-friendly funeral products while continuing to prioritise fair trade principles and environmental sustainability.
The acquisition of Oasis Coffins by JC Atkinson marks a significant step forward for both companies, combining their strengths to create a more robust, innovative, and sustainable future. Together, they are poised to lead in the evolving market for eco-friendly funeral products, delivering both social and environmental impact.
For more information, please visit JC Atkinson or Oasis Coffins.