Sustainable Urns: What Farvel Urns Are Made Of
A sustainable urn is made of natural or biodegradable materials and is manufactured in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Farvel urns are made of biodegradable wood fibers, are 3D-printed in Switzerland, and are produced in collaboration with social foundations. On this page, you’ll learn what “sustainable” specifically means in the context of an urn and what to look for.
Inspired by nature.
Farvel urns made from biodegradable wood fibers, manufactured in Switzerland.
What Makes an Urn Sustainable
To be honest, no urn is automatically 100 percent eco-friendly. Even the manufacturing process, the materials used, and the journey leading up to the burial leave an environmental footprint. Sustainability is therefore not a fixed state, but a matter of degree. Just how sustainable an urn really is depends on several factors: the material, the manufacturing process, the transportation route, and the type of burial. These are precisely the areas where we at Farvel focus our efforts.
The material: biodegradable wood fibers
Farvel urns are made from biodegradable wood fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests. The material is plant-based and meets strict sustainability criteria. Our raw materials come from Europe and are certified organic whenever possible. This allows us to avoid long transport distances.
We mean the word “natural” literally. In a natural environment, the urn decomposes in the soil under the influence of moisture and microorganisms. This process takes several months to years. In a dry environment, such as at home, however, the urn retains its shape and remains a keepsake for many years.
The wood fibers are a byproduct of wood processing. They come from material that is produced anyway and would otherwise go unused. Instead of letting it go to waste, we give it a new, meaningful purpose. This transforms it into a valuable object that accompanies people during their final moments. For us, this is upcycling in action.
An illustrative depiction of the mining process.
Manufacturing: 3D Printing in Zurich
Our urns are produced using 3D printing in Zurich. The process is precise and allows us to produce exactly as many as are needed. Because we manufacture in Switzerland, the distances involved are short. This significantly reduces transportation costs.
We make this decision quite deliberately. Many products today are manufactured in distant countries where production is cheaper, but where it is more difficult to monitor working conditions and quality. Instead, we manufacture in Switzerland—close to home and under conditions we are familiar with and can take responsibility for. This comes at a cost. For us, however, this effort is part of what makes an urn sustainable.
Sustainability also means social responsibility
For us, social responsibility is an integral part of sustainability. The wooden lids, made of oak and walnut, are crafted by the St. Jakob Foundation, which provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The ash pouches are produced at the Heimstätten Wil Foundation. It is important to us that the craftsmanship behind the urn also serves a meaningful purpose.
Handcrafting at the St. Jakob Foundation.
Here, a wooden lid is being sanded by hand.
What "biodegradable" Actually Means
"Biodegradable" means that, under the right conditions, the urn will completely break down into natural components. How quickly this happens depends on the material, soil conditions, moisture levels, and the guidelines of the cemetery or natural burial ground. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check which urns are permitted at the desired location before a burial.
Official certification is a reliable indicator. In Germany, our urns are certified by FriedWald, the well-known provider of natural burials. This means the urns meet the requirements for a forest burial.
Certified by FriedWald.
Approved for natural burials in Germany.
For which type of funeral is a sustainable urn suitable?
All Farvel urns can be used for burial. The material is durable. Even a funeral service in the pouring rain won’t damage the urn. Thanks to its biodegradable materials, it is suitable for various types of burials. If, on the other hand, you’d like to store the urn long-term in a niche or keep it at home, it will retain its shape permanently in a dry environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a biodegradable urn automatically environmentally friendly?
No, that statement would be too general. A biodegradable urn can be a more natural alternative to materials that last indefinitely. How sustainable it actually is depends on the material, manufacturing process, transportation, and burial.
What are Farvel urns made of?
Made from biodegradable wood fibers sourced from Europe and 3D-printed in Switzerland. The lids are made of oak, walnut, or marble.
How long does it take for the urn to decompose in the ground?
It can remain in the ground for several years, depending on the soil and moisture levels. At home, however, the urn retains its shape.
Is the urn suitable for a natural burial?
Generally speaking, yes, since it is biodegradable. Be sure to check the guidelines of the specific cemetery or natural burial ground beforehand, as these may vary.
The "Nesuto" urn impresses with its clear, elegant shape, which is characterized by fine, straight lines. Its minimalist design lends it a timeless aesthetic and blends harmoniously into various environments.
Material: Wood fibers and organic binder, supplemented with cork
Dimensions: height 30 cm, width 18 cm, depth 18 cm
Filling capacity: up to 3.5 liters
Weight: 1 kg without lid
Includes: High-quality organic natural fabric bag with cord, burial cord and elegant packaging
A farewell that fits in with nature
If sustainability is important to you, you’ll find urns in the Farvel collection that combine design, craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help—please email us at hallo@farvel.ch or call us at +41 79 700 05 45.