Hong Kong's cardboard coffins - in pictures

  • Wilson Tong, left, chief executive of LifeArt Asia, talks to a reporter trying out a paper coffin at his factory in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is running short of coffins during its deadliest outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. All photos by AP
    Wilson Tong, left, chief executive of LifeArt Asia, talks to a reporter trying out a paper coffin at his factory in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is running short of coffins during its deadliest outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. All photos by AP
  • A worker lifts up a paper coffin at LifeArt's factory in Hong Kong. LifeArt says its alternative, cardboard coffins are environmentally friendly.
    A worker lifts up a paper coffin at LifeArt's factory in Hong Kong. LifeArt says its alternative, cardboard coffins are environmentally friendly.
  • A pile of cardboard ready to make the coffins.
    A pile of cardboard ready to make the coffins.
  • LifeArt Asia's cardboard coffins are made of recycled wood fibre that can be customised with designs on the exterior and the company can make up to 50 coffins a day.
    LifeArt Asia's cardboard coffins are made of recycled wood fibre that can be customised with designs on the exterior and the company can make up to 50 coffins a day.
  • Mr Tong and an employee move a blue floral coffin on top of other paper coffins at the factory in Hong Kong.
    Mr Tong and an employee move a blue floral coffin on top of other paper coffins at the factory in Hong Kong.
  • Mr Tong looks at a catalogue showing more than 40 different choices of coffin designs as a machine prints the lily design.
    Mr Tong looks at a catalogue showing more than 40 different choices of coffin designs as a machine prints the lily design.
  • The company said its cardboard coffins, when burnt during a cremation, emit 87 per cent less greenhouse gas than those made of wood or wood substitutes.
    The company said its cardboard coffins, when burnt during a cremation, emit 87 per cent less greenhouse gas than those made of wood or wood substitutes.
  • Each LifeArt coffin weighs about 10.5 kilograms and can carry a body weighing up to 200kg.
    Each LifeArt coffin weighs about 10.5 kilograms and can carry a body weighing up to 200kg.
  • Hong Kong has reported about 200 deaths daily over the past week. The surge has put a strain on mortuaries, with refrigerated containers being used to temporarily store bodies.
    Hong Kong has reported about 200 deaths daily over the past week. The surge has put a strain on mortuaries, with refrigerated containers being used to temporarily store bodies.