You want to honor your loved one with an eco-friendly cremation urn, but finding the right one feels overwhelming. Should you choose a water urn or one for burial? Which materials truly break down naturally? Where can you actually buy these urns in the UK without getting ripped off? The options range from handmade paper urns to wicker caskets to tree memorial sets, and each serves a different purpose. Some dissolve within minutes in water. Others take months to decompose in soil.
This guide walks you through eight biodegradable cremation urns available from UK retailers. You’ll see what each urn is made from, whether it works for water scattering or earth burial, what sizes are available, how much it costs, and where to buy it. We’ve compared everything from basic scatter containers to elaborate tree planting systems. By the end, you’ll know exactly which urn matches your needs and budget, whether you’re planning a water ceremony or a green burial. No marketing fluff. Just clear information to help you make the right choice for your loved one and the environment.
1. Go Direct Cremations eco ashes container
Go Direct Cremations includes a basic eco-friendly ashes container with every direct cremation service. This simple scatter tube gives you a functional biodegradable option from the start, and you can upgrade to designer urns if you prefer something more decorative. The standard container works for temporary storage or immediate scattering, making it practical for families who plan their own memorial ceremony later.
Overview at a glance
The standard ashes container is a cylindrical tube made from biodegradable materials. You receive it as part of the cremation package, with the ashes already sealed inside. It measures approximately 30cm tall and holds the full cremation remains of an adult. The container features a secure lid and comes in natural tones that blend with outdoor settings for scattering ceremonies.
Eco features and materials
This container breaks down naturally when buried or scattered. The materials decompose in soil over several months without releasing harmful chemicals. Go Direct Cremations uses this eco-friendly option as their standard to reduce environmental impact compared to traditional urns made from metal or non-biodegradable plastics.
"The simple container provides a dignified way to return ashes to nature without creating lasting waste."
Best for water or burial
You can use this container for land scattering or earth burial. It works well for woodland burial sites or garden memorials. The container isn’t designed for water scattering, as it won’t dissolve quickly in rivers or seas. For water ceremonies, you’d need a water-soluble urn instead.
Sizes, capacity and options
The standard size holds adult cremation ashes (approximately 3.5 litres). Go Direct Cremations also offers designer urns as upgrades, including decorative options in various materials and styles. You can choose these upgrades when arranging the cremation service.
Price guide and where to buy
The basic container comes included in the direct cremation price at Go Direct Cremations, which starts from their standard service fee. Designer urn upgrades cost extra, with prices varying by style and material. You arrange everything directly through their service when booking a cremation.
2. Cherished Urns paper water urn
Cherished Urns offers handmade paper water urns designed specifically for scattering ashes at sea or in rivers. These urns dissolve naturally in water within minutes, creating a gentle floating ceremony before sinking and breaking down completely. You’ll find various designs and colors that add a personal touch to water-based memorial services.
Overview at a glance
The paper water urn features a cylindrical shape crafted from biodegradable handmade paper. You place the ashes inside the urn, seal the lid, and it floats briefly on the water surface before dissolving. The urn typically floats for three to five minutes, giving you time for a meaningful ceremony before it gently sinks and releases the ashes.
Eco features and materials
Cherished Urns constructs these vessels from 100% biodegradable handmade paper that contains no harmful chemicals or synthetic materials. The paper breaks down completely in water, leaving no lasting environmental trace. This makes it one of the most eco friendly cremation urns for water ceremonies, as everything returns to nature without pollution or waste.
Best for water or burial
You should use this urn exclusively for water scattering ceremonies in seas, rivers, or lakes. It won’t work for ground burial, as moisture from soil would cause premature breakdown. The design focuses entirely on water dissolution, making it ideal for coastal or riverside memorial services.
Sizes, capacity and options
The standard size accommodates full adult cremation ashes. Cherished Urns provides multiple designs with different patterns and colors, from simple natural tones to decorative floral motifs. You can select options that reflect your loved one’s personality or favorite colors.
Price guide and where to buy
These paper water urns typically cost between £30 and £60 depending on the design and size. You can purchase them directly from the Cherished Urns website, which ships throughout the UK. Order at least a week before your ceremony to allow for delivery time.
3. Urns UK cornstarch burial urn
Urns UK specializes in cornstarch biodegradable urns that offer a modern alternative to traditional burial containers. These urns break down naturally in soil, making them suitable for green burial sites and woodland memorial grounds. You get a contemporary design that looks attractive while serving an eco-friendly purpose.
Overview at a glance
The cornstarch urn features a smooth rounded shape with clean lines and a natural appearance. You’ll find it holds full adult cremation ashes securely with a threaded lid that prevents spillage. The urn stands approximately 25cm tall and comes in neutral earth tones that complement natural burial settings.
Eco features and materials
Urns UK manufactures these containers from 100% cornstarch biopolymer, a plant-based material that decomposes completely in soil. The urn takes 12 to 18 months to break down when buried, releasing no toxins or synthetic residues. This makes it one of the cleanest eco friendly cremation urns for ground burial.
"Cornstarch urns provide the strength of traditional containers during handling while ensuring complete biodegradation after burial."
Best for water or burial
You should use this urn exclusively for earth burial in green burial grounds, woodland sites, or private land where permitted. The cornstarch won’t dissolve properly in water, so it doesn’t work for scattering ceremonies at sea or in rivers.
Sizes, capacity and options
The standard adult size accommodates approximately 3.5 litres of ashes. Urns UK also offers smaller keepsake versions and different color options within their cornstarch range.
Price guide and where to buy
These cornstarch urns typically cost between £45 and £75 depending on size and finish. You can purchase them directly from the Urns UK website with delivery across mainland UK.
4. Wicker willow ashes casket
Wicker willow caskets bring a traditional craftsmanship approach to eco friendly cremation urns. These handwoven containers offer a natural aesthetic that works particularly well for woodland burials and green funeral sites. You’ll find the willow construction provides structural integrity while remaining fully biodegradable, making it a popular choice for families seeking a rustic, environmentally conscious memorial option.
Overview at a glance
The wicker casket features a rectangular shape with a hinged lid, handwoven from natural willow branches. You receive a sturdy container measuring approximately 35cm in length that holds full adult cremation ashes securely. The natural tan color and woven texture create an attractive appearance that suits outdoor burial ceremonies and memorial services.
Eco features and materials
Craftspeople weave these caskets from 100% natural willow, sourced from sustainable British woodlands where possible. The willow biodegrades completely in soil within two to three years, returning all materials to the earth without chemicals or synthetic residues. This traditional material has been used for centuries in eco-friendly burials.
"Willow caskets combine heritage craftsmanship with modern environmental values, offering a dignified return to nature."
Best for water or burial
You should use willow caskets exclusively for ground burial in green burial sites, natural burial grounds, or private land. The woven structure won’t withstand water immersion, so it doesn’t suit river or sea scattering ceremonies.
Sizes, capacity and options
Standard adult caskets accommodate 3.5 litres of ashes. Various suppliers offer different weaving styles, from tight basket weaves to looser rustic patterns, with some featuring decorative elements or personalized touches.
Price guide and where to buy
Wicker willow caskets typically cost between £80 and £120 depending on size and craftsmanship detail. You can purchase them from specialist funeral suppliers like Coffin Company or direct from wicker casket makers across the UK.
5. Scattering Ashes water soluble urn
Scattering Ashes provides water-soluble urns specifically engineered for aquatic memorial ceremonies. These containers dissolve completely in water within minutes, creating a peaceful ceremony as they release the ashes into seas, lakes, or rivers. You’ll find these urns offer a reliable option for families planning coastal or waterside memorial services.
Overview at a glance
The water-soluble urn features a simple cylindrical design that floats briefly before dissolving. You place the ashes inside, secure the biodegradable lid, and the urn floats on the water surface for approximately five to ten minutes. This gives you adequate time for readings or reflections before the container breaks down and releases the ashes naturally beneath the surface.
Eco features and materials
Scattering Ashes constructs these urns from biodegradable paper pulp and natural binding agents that contain no synthetic additives. The materials dissolve completely in saltwater or freshwater, leaving zero environmental trace. This qualifies them as genuine eco friendly cremation urns for aquatic memorials.
Best for water or burial
You should use this urn exclusively for water scattering in oceans, rivers, or lakes. The water-soluble construction makes it unsuitable for ground burial, as soil moisture would cause premature breakdown before any ceremony.
Sizes, capacity and options
The standard size holds full adult cremation ashes. Scattering Ashes offers plain white versions or decorative designs with nature-inspired patterns for personalization.
Price guide and where to buy
These water-soluble urns typically cost between £35 and £70 depending on design complexity. You can order directly from the Scattering Ashes website with UK-wide delivery.
6. The Living Urn tree memorial set
The Living Urn offers a complete tree planting system that transforms cremation ashes into living memorial trees. This biodegradable urn includes proprietary soil amendments designed to neutralize the pH of cremation ashes, which would otherwise harm young saplings. You receive everything needed to plant a memorial tree, from the biodegradable container to specialized growing medium, making it a comprehensive solution for families seeking a lasting natural tribute.
Overview at a glance
The system includes a large biodegradable planting container that holds both cremation ashes and a young tree. You’ll receive patented RootProtect growing mix that buffers the ashes and provides nutrients for the sapling. The kit measures approximately 30cm in diameter and comes with detailed planting instructions. Your memorial tree can grow for decades, creating a permanent living tribute rather than a temporary marker.
Eco features and materials
The Living Urn constructs its container from bamboo and natural plant fibers that decompose within 12 months after planting. The RootProtect soil mix contains organic materials that break down naturally while supporting root development. This system represents one of the most innovative eco friendly cremation urns available, as it actively creates new life rather than simply disposing of remains.
"Tree memorial urns transform loss into growth, giving families a living connection to their loved one for generations."
Best for water or burial
You should use this system exclusively for ground planting in gardens, memorial woodlands, or private land. The container won’t work for water ceremonies, as it’s designed to remain stationary while roots establish.
Sizes, capacity and options
The standard kit accommodates full adult cremation ashes mixed with the growing medium. The Living Urn offers various tree species suitable for UK climates, including oak, rowan, and birch saplings.
Price guide and where to buy
Complete tree memorial sets typically cost between £120 and £180 including the tree sapling. You can order directly from The Living Urn website with shipping to the UK.
7. Legendurn bamboo biodegradable urn
Legendurn manufactures bamboo cremation urns that combine strength with complete biodegradability. These containers offer a sophisticated natural aesthetic while breaking down fully in soil, making them suitable for families who want an attractive urn that still serves environmental values. You’ll find the bamboo construction provides durability during handling and transport, yet decomposes reliably after burial.
Overview at a glance
The bamboo urn features a rounded vessel shape with smooth lines and natural grain patterns visible throughout the surface. You receive a container approximately 28cm tall that holds full adult cremation ashes securely with a fitted lid. The light tan color and subtle bamboo texture create an elegant appearance that works for both memorial displays and burial ceremonies.
Eco features and materials
Legendurn crafts these urns from sustainable bamboo, one of the fastest-growing plants on earth that requires minimal water and no pesticides. The bamboo biodegrades completely in soil within 18 to 24 months, leaving no synthetic residues. This rapid growth cycle makes bamboo one of the most renewable materials for eco friendly cremation urns.
"Bamboo urns demonstrate how sustainable materials can provide both beauty and environmental responsibility in memorial products."
Best for water or burial
You should use bamboo urns primarily for ground burial in natural burial grounds or private gardens. The material won’t dissolve properly in water, making it unsuitable for river or sea ceremonies.
Sizes, capacity and options
Standard adult urns hold 3.5 litres of ashes. Legendurn offers various bamboo finishes and shapes, from simple cylinders to decorative vase designs.
Price guide and where to buy
Bamboo urns typically cost between £55 and £95 depending on size and craftsmanship. You can purchase them directly from the Legendurn website with UK delivery.
8. Urns for Angels sand and salt urn
Urns for Angels creates sand and salt urns that offer a unique natural composition for water burials. These containers dissolve completely in saltwater within three to four hours, providing families with extended ceremony time compared to paper urns. You’ll find the sand and salt construction creates a substantial weight that sinks gradually, making it particularly suited for deeper water memorials.
Overview at a glance
The sand and salt urn features a solid cylindrical shape crafted from compressed natural materials. You receive a container approximately 25cm tall with secure closure that holds full adult cremation ashes. The natural beige color resembles beach sand, creating an appropriate aesthetic for coastal memorial services. The urn’s weight prevents premature floating issues during water ceremonies.
Eco features and materials
Urns for Angels constructs these vessels from pure sea salt and fine sand bound with biodegradable natural adhesives. The materials dissolve completely in seawater, leaving absolutely no environmental residue. This qualifies them as exceptionally pure eco friendly cremation urns for ocean memorials.
"Sand and salt urns return to the sea using the same materials that form beaches and ocean beds."
Best for water or burial
You should use this urn exclusively for saltwater scattering in oceans or tidal waters. The salt composition requires saline conditions for proper dissolution, making it unsuitable for freshwater rivers or ground burial.
Sizes, capacity and options
The standard size accommodates 3.5 litres of adult ashes. Urns for Angels offers plain designs with optional personalized engravings available at extra cost.
Price guide and where to buy
Sand and salt urns typically cost between £65 and £90 depending on personalization options. You can order directly from the Urns for Angels website with delivery throughout the UK.
Final thoughts
You now have eight verified eco friendly cremation urns to choose from, each serving specific burial or water scattering needs. The paper and salt urns work exclusively for water ceremonies, dissolving within minutes to hours. The cornstarch, bamboo, and willow options suit ground burial in natural settings, breaking down over months or years. Tree memorial systems create permanent living tributes that grow for decades.
Your choice depends on three factors: where you’ll hold the memorial, what materials align with your environmental values, and your budget. Water urns typically cost £30 to £90, while burial containers range from £45 to £120, with tree systems reaching £180. Each option returns ashes to nature without synthetic waste or pollution.
If you’re arranging a cremation and want to include an eco-friendly container from the start, Go Direct Cremations provides a biodegradable scatter tube with every service. You can upgrade to designer urns or use the included container for immediate scattering or burial ceremonies.