Urns: New funeral trends and Eco-Friendly Innovations

Q: 3) Does Tree Urn count as ash scattering?

Yes. The cork urn is biodegradable and compostable and decomposes naturally over 6–8 years, enriching the soil and nourishing the planted tree—considered a form of scattering.

Urns new funeral trends and eco friendly innovations - Tree Urn

In 2025, ecological urns are at the heart of funeral trends to meet the expectations of families looking for sensible and sustainable alternatives to honor their loved ones. Innovative solutions like the Tree Urn are leading the way. Unlike a cremation urn or traditional funeral, this new concept goes beyond a simple urn. It transforms the scattering of ashes into a meaningful act where memory gives way to life.

Presented in 2024 at trade shows in Europe and Singapore, the Tree Urn immediately generated a great deal of interest. It was in 2025 that the project truly took off, marking a significant step in the evolution of funeral practices and mourning. Its simple and effective concept overcomes technical obstacles such as water drainage, seed germination problems and regulation of ash alkalinity.

As Leonardo da Vinci said: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Tree-Urn unites remembrance, sustainability and nature.

Urn for Humans and Pets

Tree Urn is suitable for human and pet cremation ashes. It perpetuates the cycle of life, transforming the memory of a loved one into a living tree.

An Urn Synonymous with Ash Scattering

Thanks to its biodegradable and compostable cork material, the urn decomposes naturally over time (6 to 8 years). It enriches the soil and nourishes the tree it contains. It is considered a scattering of ashes.

Biodegradable, Compostable, Ecological – Everything You Need to Know

Ash Scattering and Regulations

In Europe, regulations on the scattering of ashes vary by country and region. In nature, in memorial forests, in designated areas such as memorial gardens or on private land permissions vary.

👉 Visit our page: Ash Scattering Regulations

Where Can a Funeral Tree Urn Be Buried?

Planting a Tree Urn depends on both family wishes and local regulations. For human ashes, the most common options are:

Gardens of remembrance within cemeteries, sometimes designed to host trees.
Memorial forests or natural areas, increasingly offered by municipalities and private initiatives.
Private land, with the owner’s consent, making it possible to anchor the memory in a personal, intimate space.
Reserved natural areas (parks, woodlands, ecological or community spaces) where regulations allow.

Because the rules differ across countries and municipalities, we recommend checking our dedicated regulation section on our website, regularly updated.

Where can pet ashes be buried?

Concerning pet ashes, the situation is generally much simpler. In most countries, there is no strict regulation governing the burial or scattering of ashes for cats, dogs, or other companion animals. Families therefore enjoy greater freedom:

Planting a Tree Urn in a private garden or property is usually permitted without restrictions.
Some regions also allow the creation of dedicated pet memorial gardens or natural areas.
Families can thus choose a meaningful spot that reflects the bond with their animal, often closer to home and daily life.

This flexibility makes the Tree Urn for pets an especially comforting solution, turning farewell into a natural and personal tribute.

Special Regulations in Scandinavia

In Scandinavian countries, the burial of biodegradable funeral urns is regulated: urns must be placed at least 50 cm deep. However, thanks to the microporous nature of Tree Urn’s cork design, special authorizations may be requested. Its unique structure allows the alkalinity of the ash to be gradually released over the months and to enrich the soil instead of harming it.

A Funeral Ceremony in Nature

Planting a Tree Urn can be accompanied by a simple funeral ceremony. This intimate and shared moment gives meaning to the gesture and brings serenity to the mourners.

Each family can personalize this moment with simple acts:

Say a word or memory: share a joyful story or thought.
Write a message place it at the foot of the tree.
Help bring the tree to life together: Plant the tree, fill it with soil, and water it.
Sing a song or play a piece of music to accompany this moment.
Form a circle around the tree and share beautiful thoughts for the deceased and accompany them in peace.
Light a candle to symbolize mourning.

These simple and joyful rituals will transform a painful moment into a soothing moment of remembrance.

How Does This New Eco-Friendly Urn Work?

The principle of Tree Urn is simple and natural:

Ashes are placed into the urn, then sealed with the cork separation piece.
The young tree or green plant is placed in the upper compartment of the urn.
The urn with ashes and the tree is buried, allowing nature to continue its cycle and turn memory into life.

🌱 Discover the full process on our page: How Tree Urn Works

A French Invention with International Reach

Tree Urn is a French invention, patented, with international extension. Its mission is to offer a new approach to death, by turning it into an impulse towards life. While always a painful experience, this urn seeks to make it a little softer, a little simpler, and to bring beauty to the lives of those who remain.

A Gentle Path, which Makes Sense

In today’s unsettled times, where many are searching for meaning and where values often seem lost, Tree Urn appears as a solution. A gentle path, full of meaning, designed to bring peace to our souls and consciences.

FAQ — Eco-friendly urns and the Tree Urn (2025)

1) Why are ecological urns trending in 2025? Families are seeking meaningful, sustainable alternatives. Tree Urn turns ash scattering into a life-oriented ritual while solving practical issues like drainage, seed failure, and ash alkalinity.

2) Is Tree Urn suitable for both humans and pets? Yes. The same simple sequence applies for people and companion animals, creating a gentle, personal tribute in each case.

3) Does Tree Urn count as ash scattering? Yes. The cork urn is biodegradable/compostable and decomposes naturally over 6–8 years, enriching the soil and nourishing the planted tree—considered a form of scattering.

4) Where can we plant a Tree Urn? Common options include cemetery remembrance gardens, memorial forests/natural areas, private land with owner permission, and approved community spaces. Always verify local rules first.

5) Are regulations the same across Europe? No. Rules vary by country and municipality. Check local guidance and dedicated regulation pages before planning your ceremony.

6) What about Scandinavia’s depth rule? In several Scandinavian countries, biodegradable urns must be buried at least 50 cm deep. Tree Urn’s microporous cork helps regulate ash alkalinity; local authorities may grant specific approvals.

7) Why does Tree Urn biodegrade over 6–8 years? The medium-term timeline protects roots, tempers alkaline release, supports steady establishment, and ultimately becomes humus—benefiting the soil long term.

8) What material is Tree Urn made from? Natural cork from renewable sources. By using cork by-products and local production in Spain for European needs, it supports a circular, low-impact approach.

9) Can we hold a simple ceremony when planting? Yes. Families often speak a few words, write a message, plant and water the tree, share music or silence, and light a candle—small, peaceful gestures that bring meaning.

10) How does the Tree Urn work in practice? Place ashes in the lower chamber and seal with the cork separator; set a young tree or green plant in the upper chamber; bury the urn so nature continues its cycle and memory turns toward life.