Celebrating 27 Years of Bios Urn®, World’s First Biodegradable Urn

For 27 years, from our headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, Bios Urn® has been changing how we view “end-of-life”. We introduced the world’s first biodegradable urn that turns cremation ashes into a growing tree. Rooted in the belief that “things can be different,” we strive to provide an eco-friendly option for one of life’s most significant moments.

 

The Idea Behind Bios Urn®

The story of how the Bios Urn® came about began with a childhood memory. Co-founder Gerard Moliné, while gardening with his grandmother, discovered a deceased bird. His grandmother gently buried it and planted wildflower seeds above it, turning loss into life. This moment stayed with Gerard and inspired him to design the first Bios Urn® prototype in 1997. By 2001, it became the world’s first biodegradable urn on the market, designed specifically to grow a tree from cremation ashes.

 

Milestones of Our Biodegradable Urn

Over the years, Bios Urn® has achieved remarkable milestones:

• 2002: Received the ADI FAD design award.
• 2005: Finalist for the INDEX award.
• 2013: Expanded globally through an online platform, making the Bios Urn® accessible worldwide.

One especially notable moment came when the Barcelona Zoo used one of our early biodegradable urns to honor Little Snowflake, the beloved albino gorilla. His cremation ashes were used to plant Calodendrum Capense, a South African tree planted in his memory. 

 

How Bios Urn® Brings Meaning

In 2015, we reached a heartwarming milestone when we traveled to the U.S. to meet families who had used our biodegradable urns. All of them had come across the Bios Urn® online and, two years later, were growing plants from the ashes of a loved one.

Among them was Isabelle Bolla, a young woman from California. After her sister passed away from breast cancer, Isabelle discovered Bios Urn® online and knew it was the right choice.

Isabelle and her family planted her sister’s Bios Urn® in Santa Fe, New Mexico, choosing a Piñon Pine for its fragrance and personal significance. “It’s really beautiful to know that the tree will be growing every year, in the same way a person would,” Isabelle shared. “The Bios Urn®  is more than just an urn. It’s a catalyst for life and growth.” Stories like Isabelle’s inspire us to continue our mission.

 

A Greener Burial with Biodegradable Urns

As green and natural burials, as well as “green cremations,” gain popularity, Bios Urn® remains at the forefront. Traditional burials strain limited land resources and contribute to environmental concerns. In contrast, Bios Urn® offers a sustainable alternative. It enables you to plant a tree, flower, or shrub with cremation ashes, thanks to its patented double-component design. 

Today, Bios Urn® has been used in over 50 countries, on 5 continents. Alongside our original biodegradable urn, we’ve introduced Bios Urn Pets® and Bios Incube® Lite, offering meaningful, sustainable ways to honor both humans and pets.

 

A Recognized Biodegradable Urn Worldwide

Our work has been celebrated globally and featured in exhibitions such as:

• The (Re)Design Death Exhibition in the Netherlands
• The “Good Death Exhibition” in Poland
• The Design Museum in Barcelona
• The Museum of Design Atlanta

Each exhibition highlights how Bios Urn® has transformed end-of-life discussions.

 

Thank You for 27 Years of Support

As we look ahead, Bios Urn® remains committed to providing smart, sustainable solutions for end-of-life planning. While our designs have evolved, our core focus is unchanged: to add meaning to this process of life and return to nature. Made from 100% recycled materials, sourced and produced locally, every step of the process reflects our commitment to the planet and you.

To our community, thank you for supporting us over these 27 years. Together, we’ve turned cemeteries into forests and grief into growth. With your help, we’ll continue to challenge taboos, inspire healthier dialogues about life’s cycles, and plant hope for a greener future.

 

 

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