FAQ
Most frequently asked questions and answers
Categories
Growing process & Material
What is mycelium?
Mycelium, also known as the underground root network of mushrooms, is recognized as one of nature’s greatest recyclers. The unique power of mycelium lies in its ability to share nutrients, communicate with the forest floor, and enhance soil quality. While most researchers focused their attention on plants and organisms above ground, recent discoveries reveal that one of Earth’s most crucial beings exists beneath us, in the soil. Mycelium’s capacity to transform dead organic matter into new life makes it a driving force in the natural lifecycle. A significant advantage of this amazing recycler is its ability to increase biodiversity in the soil by introducing a new carbon and energy source, attracting various microorganisms. By growing our products from mycelium, we can collaborate with nature and enrich it. It is our mission to leave the planet better behind for future generations.
How does the growth process unfold?
We grow the enriching products in Loop’s growing facility in Delft, The Netherlands, using only local mushroom species and upcycled hemp fiber. By carefully drying the organism, our products become strong and sustainable, without compromising the living properties of the mycelium. This entire process takes just 7 days.
What does it entail for a product to be 100% biodegradable?
Our products are entirely biodegradable and, under ideal conditions, reintegrate with nature within 45 days. This approach allows us to return our nutrients to the environment and simultaneously enhance soil biodiversity.
Why funeral products made from mycelium?
It is our mission to reintegrate our nutrients into the cycle of life in the most natural way possible. Under optimal conditions, our enriching products seamlessly become one with nature within 45 days. Another significant advantage of mycelium is its ability to enhance soil biodiversity by introducing a new carbon and energy source, attracting diverse microorganisms and fostering new life in the soil.
What is the difference between a Loop Living Cocoon™ and a traditional (wooden) coffin?
The Loop Living Cocoon™ stands out by being exclusively grown from mycelium and upcycled hemp fiber. In contrast to traditional wooden coffins, which not only require decades for trees to grow but also involve chopping, importing, and processing them. The Loop Living Cocoon™ circumvents this destructive process by growing a fully developed coffin in just 7 days, using only local raw materials. This process eliminates unnecessary transportation and the need for additional paint, glue, varnish, or screws. Furthermore, after being buried, the Loop Living Cocoon™ contributes to enriching the soil and increasing biodiversity, making it a climate-positive product significantly more beneficial to the environment than other sustainable coffins.
Ordering & Transport
How do I order the Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™?
As a funeral director, you can place an order through the ordering page: on this page, you can easily submit a purchase request for the immediate delivery of the Loop Living Cocoon™ and Loop ForestBed™, along with optional accessories. We will contact you on the same day to discuss and finalize your order. Alternatively, you can call us directly at +31 6 21 36 16 71 or email us at info@loop-biotech.com. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For consumers, it is possible to purchase a voucher, allowing you to reserve a Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ for future use. Visit the Loop Voucher section for more information.
How do I order the Loop EarthRise™?
Via this link, you can access the webshop for the Loop EarthRise™: on this webshop page, you can easily find the Loop EarthRise™ along with optional accessories. Your order will be delivered to your desired location within 2 to 10 days. As a funeral director, you can place an order directly by calling +31 6 21 36 16 71 or emailing info@loop-biotech.com. We are available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
To where and how are the Loop products transported?
Loop Biotech currently delivers the Loop Living Cocoon™ and Loop ForestBed™ all across Europe. The transportation costs vary depending on the location. For more information, please contact us by calling +31 6 21 36 16 71 or emailing info@loop-biotech.com. The Loop EarthRise™ is available throughout Europe and can be easily ordered through the webshop. Transportation within the Netherlands is entirely electric. Additionally, it is also possible to pick up the products directly from our location in Delft.
To which locations and at what costs does Loop Biotech transport its products?
Netherlands:
Within the Netherlands, transportation is entirely electric. Prices for the next business day delivery of the Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ are €125 (including VAT). Expedited and weekend deliveries are possible, and prices are negotiable. The transportation cost for the Loop EarthRise™ within the Netherlands is €7.95 (including VAT).
Transportation within the Netherlands is entirely electric. Prices for the next business day delivery of the Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ are as follows:
0 – 100 km: €125 (including VAT)
100 – 150 km: €150 (including VAT)
150 km and beyond: €180 (including VAT)
Expedited and weekend deliveries are possible, and prices are negotiable. The transportation cost for the Loop EarthRise™ within the Netherlands is free.
Europe:
Loop Biotech operates in Europe. The transportation costs for the Loop Earthrise™ within Europe can be found via this link: https://shop.loop-biotech.com/policies/shipping-policy. If you wish to receive the Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ in your area, please fill out the contact form, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Enriching Products
What are the products specifications and price of the Loop Living Cocoon™?
The Loop Living Cocoon™ weights around 30 kg and can carry up to 200kg. The dimensions are:
Inner dimensions: length 195 x width 58 x height 35 (cm).
Outer dimensions: length 216 x width 75 x height 45 (cm).
Is the Loop Living Cocoon™ resistant to water, coolers and cooling plates?
Due to the water-resistant properties of the mushroom, the Loop Living Cocoon™ is highly resistant to water, making it suitable for use in rainy conditions during a funeral. The Loop Living Cocoon™ is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. Therefore, a refrigerated viewing at home or placing the Loop Living Cocoon™ in a cooling environment poses no issues. Just be sure to turn off the cooling plate an hour before moving it. This allows the Loop Living Cocoon™ to thaw and be easily removed from the cooling plate.
How to use the Loop Living Cocoon™
The functionality of the Loop Living Cocoon™ above ground is similar to that of a traditional coffin. It is suitable for burial, natural burial, and cremation. The Loop Living Cocoon™ can be shouldered or lifted using the six jute handles, and it can be lowered to the ground either with a mechanical lift or using ropes.
How should I store the Loop Living Cocoon™
The Loop Living Cocoon™ is available for immediate delivery and has an indefinite shelf life, provided it is stored in a dry space, similar to a traditional coffin.
Is the Loop Living Cocoon™ suitable for cremation?
If cremation is chosen, opt for the Loop Living Cocoon™ to minimize the environmental impact, thanks to the short carbon cycle of mycelium and the use of local residual materials from the Netherlands. The Loop Living Cocoon™ is suitable for all crematoriums in the Netherlands. We recommend using an input board when cremating with the Loop Living Cocoon™.
What do you receive with the Loop Living Cocoon™
The Loop Living Cocoon™ comes standard with a closing ribbon, manual, soft bed of moss, and a mycelium pillow. Optionally, a sustainable interior lining is available. Team Loop is ready to assist and guide you through the entire ordering process, discussing all available options.
What are the products specifications of the Loop EarthRise™?
The Loop EarthRise™ weighs approximately 1 kg, and is available for direct purchase through our webshop. The EarthRise™ has a capacity of 4 liters, with external dimensions measuring a diameter of 23 cm and a height of 32 cm.
Where is the Loop EarthRise™ allowed to be buried?
In the Netherlands, it is allowed to bury the Loop EarthRise™ in one’s own garden, on cemeteries, and on natural burial grounds. The EarthRise™ can be used with or without a plant.
*Throughout Europe, it is allowed to use it as an ornament and bury it in a designated location.
How do I bury the Loop EarthRise™ in my own garden?
- When burying the Loop EarthRise™ in your own garden, we recommend the following guidelines:
The EarthRise™ thrives best when buried as close to the surface as possible. - Ensure that the plant protrudes above the ground. This also serves as the ideal guideline for the burial depth of the EarthRise™.
How to use the Loop EarthRise™?
The Loop EarthRise™ can be closed by firmly pressing the lid onto the base. The friction of the mycelium ensures a tight seal.
Can the Loop EarthRise™ also be used at home as an ornament?
If you desire the continued presence of your loved ones within reach, the Loop EarthRise™ can serve as a beautiful ornament at home. Should you feel the need for a new step where the urn becomes one with nature, our Loop EarthRise™ offers the possibility to be buried. The Loop EarthRise™ moves with your journey, adding meaning to each phase.
What are the product specifications of the Loop ForestBed™?
The Loop ForestBed™ weighs 15 kg, and can lift up to 200 kg. The dimensions are as follows:
Internal dimensions: length 195 x width 58 x height 8 (cm).
External dimensions: length 216 x width 75 x height 13 (cm).
Is the Loop ForestBed™ resistant to water, coolers and cooling plates?
Due to the water-resistant properties of the mushroom, the Loop ForestBed™ is highly resistant to water, making it suitable for funerals in the rain. The Loop ForestBed™ is hydrophobic, meaning it can withstand water effectively. Therefore, a refrigerated viewing at home or placing the Loop ForestBed™ in a cooling environment poses no issues. Just be sure to turn off the cooling plate an hour before moving it. This allows the Loop ForestBed™ to thaw and be easily removed from the cooling plate.
How to use the Loop ForestBed™?
The Loop ForestBed™ can be carried using the six jute handles attached to the ForestBed™. Alternatively, the Loop ForestBed™ can be shouldered. It is often combined with the sustainable shroud. During the burial process, the Loop ForestBed™ can be lowered into the ground using either a mechanical lift system or ropes.
How should I store the Loop ForestBed™?
The ForestBed™ is available for immediate delivery and has an indefinite shelf life, provided it is stored in a dry space, similar to a traditional bier.
Accessoires
What is a shroud?
The sustainable shroud is a gentle and respectful covering for your loved ones, completing the Loop ForestBed™. The shroud is crafted from 100% untreated sustainable linen.
For more information, visit: https://loop-biotech.com/accessories/
Is it possible to personalize Loop products?
You can add a personal touch to Loop products with the biodegradable paint set. The biodegradable paint set is environmentally friendly as it is water-based and harmless to nature. It can be used to decorate the Loop Living Cocoon™, Loop ForestBed™, or Loop EarthRise™. For more information, visit: https://loop-biotech.com/accessories/
How do I correctly place a plant on the Loop EarthRise™?
The Loop EarthRise™ can be personalized by choosing one of our plants that can be placed in the lid. Grow into a Birch, Sequoia, Ginkgo, Olive, or Apple tree, or opt for a plant of your choice. When burying the EarthRise™ with a plant, a tree will grow as a memorial when it comes into contact with nature. Choose from one of the local plant species that provides a lasting tribute to the final resting place. The plant of your choice costs €15.
For more information, visit: https://loop-biotech.com/accessories/
Loop Voucher
What is a Loop Voucher?
With the Loop Voucher, you reserve a Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ for the future. By reserving these products, you bring peace of mind to your loved ones by making this important decision now and arranging the financing. The Loop Voucher ensures that you receive the Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ when needed, whether it’s in 10 or 30 years. By acquiring the Loop Voucher, you become part of a unique community of Loopers supporting Loop Biotech’s mission to enrich nature.
How does a Loop Voucher work?
If you are interested in a Loop Voucher, the following steps will be taken:
- Provide your details by filling out the Voucher form on our website: https://loop-biotech.com/voucher/
- We will contact you to discuss any questions or preferences you may have.
- You will receive the payment proposal as discussed in step 2. You can pay through a one-time transaction or in four installments.
- Your personalized package with the Loop Certificate will be sent to your home.
How to pay for a Loop Voucher?
After submitting the request for the Loop Voucher, we will send you an invoice. The Loop Voucher can be paid in two ways:
Single transaction: Opt for a one-time transaction and receive your Loop Voucher Certificate immediately.
Installments: Choose a voucher with installment payments. We offer a 4-installment plan, and once these installments are completed, you will receive the Loop Voucher Certificate.
Can I reserve a spot at one of the natural burial grounds of Natuurbegraven Nederland along with the Loop Voucher?
Natuurbegraven Nederland is a partner of Loop Biotech. Together, we offer a unique combination package, allowing the reservation of the Loop Living Cocoon™ or Loop ForestBed™ along with a spot in one of the perpetual natural graves within the pristine burial grounds of Natuurbegraven Nederland. More information on the Loop Forest page.