Eco-Friendly & Natural Funeral Options in Australia 

There is no single way to make a funeral environmentally friendly. For some families, it may mean choosing a biodegradable coffin or natural burial. For others, it may involve a simpler cremation, fewer materials, less transport, or a more sustainable approach to memorialisation. 

The options available can vary depending on the cemetery or crematorium, local facilities and the type of funeral being arranged. While natural burial and biodegradable funeral products are already available in parts of Australia, some newer alternatives remain limited or are still emerging. 

This guide looks at the practical eco-friendly and natural funeral options available in Australia, how they work, and what to consider when deciding which approach is right for your family. 

What Makes a Funeral Eco-Friendly? 

An eco-friendly funeral aims to reduce the environmental impact of funeral arrangements through simpler materials, fewer resources and practices that allow for more natural decomposition. 

Common features may include: 

• a biodegradable coffin, casket or burial shroud 
• little or no embalming where it is not required 
• fewer plastics and synthetic materials 
• burial in a natural or dedicated green burial area 
• minimal use of permanent monuments or non-biodegradable grave materials 
• reduced transport and unnecessary resource use 

An environmentally conscious choice within a conventional funeral is not necessarily the same as a natural burial. For example, choosing a cardboard coffin can reduce the impact of a traditional burial, while a natural burial generally combines several practices, such as biodegradable materials, minimal chemical treatment and burial within an area managed to preserve or regenerate the natural landscape. 

How Natural Burial Works in Australia 

Natural burial is designed to allow the body to return to the earth with as little environmental impact as practical. Instead of relying on conventional grave construction, permanent monuments or materials that slow natural decomposition, the focus is on biodegradable materials and preserving the surrounding landscape. 

Depending on the cemetery, a natural burial may involve: 

• using a biodegradable coffin or an approved burial shroud 
• avoiding chemical preservatives such as formaldehyde-based embalming 
• using natural or minimal grave markers rather than a traditional headstone 
• recording the grave location through mapping or GPS 

• maintaining or regenerating native vegetation around the burial area 

Natural burial is available in selected cemeteries across Australia rather than being a standard option at every cemetery. Requirements also differ between sites, so families should check what types of coffins, shrouds, memorials and funeral arrangements are permitted before making decisions. 

Natural Burial Options in NSW 

• Sydney Natural Burial Park, Kemps Creek: Described by the cemetery as Sydney’s first natural burial field. Graves are set within a natural landscape without conventional headstones or monuments, with locations recorded using GPS.  
• Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery: Its dedicated natural burial area, Nyarawan, uses biodegradable, non-toxic materials and is managed to minimise disturbance to the surrounding bushland.  
• Lismore Memorial Gardens’ Bushland Cemetery: Offers natural burial within remnant forest. Grave locations are GPS recorded, biodegradable coffins are required, and families may choose a natural stone marker or no physical marker. 

Because each natural burial ground sets its own requirements, it is worth confirming availability, coffin or shroud specifications, memorial restrictions and current cemetery fees before arranging the burial. 

How to Find the Right Eco-Friendly Coffin or Shroud 

Choosing a biodegradable coffin or burial shroud is one of the more practical ways to reduce the materials used in a burial. These options are designed to break down naturally over time and generally use fewer synthetic materials, heavy finishes and non-biodegradable fittings. 

Common options available in Australia include: 

• Cardboard coffins: Lightweight and made primarily from recyclable and biodegradable cardboard. They are often among the more affordable options. 
• Willow or wicker coffins: Woven from natural plant materials, providing a softer, more traditional appearance while remaining biodegradable. 
• Bamboo and other woven coffins: Made from renewable plant-based materials and available in various styles and constructions. 
• Untreated timber coffins: Simple timber coffins with minimal paints, varnishes or synthetic finishes can be suitable for families wanting a more natural option. 
• Burial shrouds: Natural fabrics such as cotton, calico or wool may be used instead of a conventional coffin where the cemetery permits shroud burial. 

How Much Do Biodegradable Coffins Cost? 

The cost of an eco-friendly coffin can vary considerably depending on its material, construction, size, supplier and design. Based on current Australian pricing, the following ranges can be used as a general guide: 

Option	Indicative Cost (AUD)
Cardboard coffin	$300–$800
Untreated or natural timber coffin	$1,500–$2,700+
Willow or wicker coffin	$1,500–$3,000+
Bamboo and other woven coffins	$800–$3,000+
Burial shroud	Varies considerably; complete commercial options may cost $1,500+

These prices are indicative only. Actual costs vary between funeral providers and suppliers, and additional components or services may not be included. 

A biodegradable coffin is not automatically a cheaper coffin. Basic cardboard designs can be considerably less expensive than many conventional coffins, while handcrafted willow, bamboo and natural timber options can cost as much as, or more than, some traditional designs. 

When comparing options, consider the materials used, how the coffin or shroud is constructed, your budget and the requirements of the burial ground. A simple cardboard coffin may suit families looking for an economical biodegradable option, while willow, bamboo or natural timber may appeal to those wanting a more traditional appearance. 

Most importantly, confirm the cemetery’s requirements before making a purchase. Natural burial grounds may have specific rules about materials, finishes, fittings and shroud burials, so not every product marketed as biodegradable will necessarily be suitable for every burial site. 

Eco-Friendly Cremation and Memorial Options 

Cremation still uses energy and produces emissions, but families who prefer cremation can make other choices around the funeral and memorial that reduce unnecessary materials, transport and waste. 

Some options to consider include: 

• Choose a simple cremation: A direct or simpler cremation can involve fewer vehicles, facilities and physical funeral products than a larger traditional service. 
• Select a simple coffin: Cardboard, untreated timber or other suitable lower-material coffins may be used for cremation, depending on the crematorium’s requirements. 
• Reduce unnecessary transport: Holding arrangements close to where the person died, where possible, can help limit additional vehicle movements. 
• Choose a biodegradable urn: Urns made from materials such as paper, salt, sand or other biodegradable materials are available for families who plan to bury or scatter the ashes. 
• Keep memorial items simple: Reusable, locally sourced or biodegradable materials can reduce waste from flowers, decorations and printed items. 

Memorial Trees and Living Memorials 

Some families choose to create a living memorial by planting a tree or incorporating cremated remains into a specially prepared planting system. Cremated remains should not generally be placed directly around the roots of a plant in large quantities, as their mineral and salt content can affect soil conditions. 

If this option is being considered, a purpose-designed memorial product or appropriate soil preparation can help create more suitable growing conditions. 

Families considering scattering, burying or memorialising ashes can also explore the different options in our guide to what to do with ashes after cremation. 

For those primarily interested in reducing the complexity of the funeral itself, direct cremation can also be worth considering as a simpler funeral arrangement, although it should not automatically be described as environmentally friendly solely because it is direct. 

Emerging Eco-Friendly Funeral Alternatives in Australia 

Alongside natural burial and conventional cremation, several newer methods of body disposition are attracting interest for their potential environmental benefits. However, their legal status and practical availability in Australia vary considerably. 

Aquamation 

Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, uses water and an alkaline solution rather than flame to break down the body’s soft tissue, leaving the skeletal remains to be processed in a similar way to cremated remains. 

In NSW, alkaline hydrolysis is recognised within the legal definition of cremation. However, this does not mean it is widely available commercially. Families interested in aquamation should check current provider availability and local operating requirements before considering it as a practical option. 

Human Composting 

Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, uses controlled conditions to transform human remains into soil over a period of time. 

Although this method is available in some overseas jurisdictions, it is not currently a legal funeral option in NSW. A 2025 Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW research report specifically notes that composting is not currently legal in the state. 

For families seeking lower-impact funeral options that are available today, natural burial, biodegradable funeral products and simpler funeral arrangements are generally more practical choices. 

How to Plan a Greener Funeral 

You do not need to make every part of a funeral environmentally focused. Instead, start with the larger decisions and then consider where simpler or lower-impact choices make sense for your family. 

• Decide between burial and cremation: Consider which option reflects your loved one’s wishes and what is realistically available locally. If burial is preferred, find out whether a natural burial ground or dedicated natural burial area is accessible. 
• Check the cemetery or crematorium requirements: Before choosing a coffin, shroud or other funeral products, confirm what materials and arrangements the facility accepts. Natural burial areas may have additional requirements around materials, finishes and memorials. 
• Choose the coffin or burial shroud: Compare biodegradable options based on the materials used, price, appearance and suitability for the chosen cemetery or crematorium. 
• Discuss how the person will be cared for: Ask your funeral director whether embalming is necessary in the circumstances and what other care options may be appropriate. 
• Consider the service and transport: Where practical, keeping arrangements relatively simple and avoiding unnecessary travel, disposable decorations and excessive printed materials can reduce resource use. 
• Think about the memorial: Depending on whether burial or cremation is chosen, options might include a natural grave marker, biodegradable urn or another simple form of memorialisation. 

A greener funeral does not have to follow a strict formula. Making a few considered choices based on your family’s priorities, budget and the options available locally can be a practical place to start. 

FAQs About Eco-Friendly Funerals in Australia 

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Funeral That Works for Your Family 

Planning a more environmentally conscious funeral can involve one significant choice, such as natural burial, or a combination of smaller decisions around coffins, transport, cremation and memorialisation. The most suitable approach will depend on your loved one’s wishes, what is available locally and what feels appropriate for your family. 

If you are considering greener funeral options, Majestic Funerals can help you understand the choices available and explain any cemetery, crematorium or coffin requirements that may affect the arrangements. 

Our team can help you plan a respectful farewell that reflects your family’s priorities without making the process more complicated than it needs to be.