Biodegradable Burial Urns

Solving global warming takes more than just trees

This biodegradable urn combines wool and vegetable-tanned leather. Systrarna Ocklind, which is an independent funeral home in Stockholm, commissioned Claesson Koivisto Rune, the Swedish architecture and design studio to design the piece. Expected to naturally break down in a matter of months after burial, the biodegradable urn advances sustainable burial practices—which, hopefully, will become more widespread as individuals look to increasingly minimize their impact on the planet.

Claesson Koivisto Rune collaborated with manufacturer Falköpings Träindustri on the biodegradable urns. The silhouette of the piece is somewhat reminiscent of a dry bag, used to store electronics and goods during water travel. The body of the biodegradable urn is constructed from sections of woolen fabric and woolen thread, while vegetable-tanned leather is used for the details of the innovation.