Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
Bios Urn® is a project by Bios Urn Environment S.L. We have more than 15 years of experience constructing products, brands and experiences. Currently, we are an independent team of professionals dedicated to working on Bios® products.
The intent of Bios Urn® is to offer users an alternative for remembering deceased persons in a natural, sustainable fashion, thereby turning the “death” process into regeneration and return to life by means of nature. Our company objective is none other than to offer a economic, ecological and sustainable product that falls in line with our group’s philosophy: things can be different.
We like Bios Urn® because:
Check out our customer testimonials on our blog. All our customer stories are meaningful to us, and we have taken the time to personally write each of their stories out, after speaking with them.
Bios Urn® is a registered trademark and is protected by international commerce laws. Any use of the trademark Bios Urn® / Urna Bios® must be approved by the respective owner Bios Urn Environment S.L.
Bios Urn® is patented worldwide and is protected by intellectual property laws. Any use of the trademark Bios Urn® / Urna Bios® must be approved by the respective owner Bios Urn Environment S.L.
Bios Urn® is the world’s first biodegradable urn designed to turn the ashes of a person into a tree.
Your loved ones can now be transformed into trees, continuing to grow alongside you. Thanks to its design and manufacture, the urn provides proper germination and aids in growing a tree with a person’s ashes.
In this way, death becomes a transformation and return to life through nature. Bios Urn Pets® works in the exact same way for pets. The urn is designed to contain any tree seed, shrub or plant and can be planted in any natural environment.
The Bios Urn® box includes: A Bios Urn®, an expansion disc and instructions for planting (printed on the box packaging).
The expansion disc is made of coco peat and paper and increases in size to mix with the ashes overtime. It also includes vermiculture which is a prepared soil mix that allows a perfect water flow.
The Bios Urn® is made using a custom moulding system which is produced without the use of glues or chemical additives. The degradation of the product is respectful to the environment because of its organic components.
It’s the perfect medium to allow for the proper growth of a tree or plant when planted with the remains of your loved one.
The Bios Urn® box size is 16 x 16 x 32 cm. and has a weight of 0,85 Kg (1.87lbs).
The Bios Urn Pets® box size is 16 x 16 x 16 cm. and has a weight of 0,43 Kg (0.95lbs).
The Bios Urn® has been designed to hold all the ashes that result from the process of cremation of a person.
The capacity of the urn is 5.8lbs, or 2.5 Liters. It can be used with the full amount of ash, or a smaller amount just in case a symbolic portion is being saved.
The capacity of the Bios Urn Pets® is 2.9lbs, or 1.25 Liters.
The Bios Urn® does not have an expiration date. This means that anyone who wishes to “pre-plan” for when they are no longer here may do so. This makes the very difficult grieving time easier on loved-ones by leaving them a Bios Urn® and clear after-life wishes.
Thanks to the materials used to create the Bios Urn®, you can keep the urn indefinitely.
To favour its preservation, we recommend storing the urn in a dry place away from extreme heat, or humidity. If you don’t plan on using your urn anytime soon, we recommend adding your preferred seed at the moment of planting. The Bios Urn Pets® works in the exact same way.
No, the Bios Urn® is 100% biodegradable, and made with no chemicals, preservatives, or additives.
We have a simple guide to planting instructions, which can be accessed on our website.
The Bios Urn® is really simple to use. The urn is divided into two separate capsules: the upper capsule is a sealed unit to ensure the good condition of the seed until it begins to sprout; and the lower capsule is where you will store the ashes. You just need to fill the lower cone of the urn with the remains. Then close it with the top capsule and place the seed inside the capsule.
The Bios Urn® box includes:
A Bios Urn®, an expansion disc and instructions for planting (printed on the box packaging).
The expansion disc is made of coco fibre and paper and increases in size to mix with the ashes overtime. It also includes vermiculture which is a prepared soil mix that allows a perfect water flow.
The Bios Urn® is made using a custom moulding system which is produced without the use of glues or chemical additives. The degradation of the product is respectful to the environment because of its organic components.
It’s the perfect medium to allow for the proper growth of a tree or plant when planted with the remains of your loved one.
The seeds or seedling of your choice is to be sourced locally by yourself. Before you bury the urn, you will need to mix the components with some soil from where you want your tree to grow. The components will naturally facilitate germination of the seed when mixed with soil.
Simply plant your urn where you want your tree to grow and take care of it. Always plant all of the urn, which is 100% biodegradable and won’t damage the soil. You can also plant your Bios Urn® using a seed or a young sprout. The Bios Urn® should be planted about 3-5 cm from the soil surface. Once planted, make sure the seed has the appropriate water and humidity levels. The Bios Urn Pets® works in the exact same way. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to message us.
The Bios Urn® works with any kind of seed or seedling! You can elect to use your own, and therefore choose a tree which is sentimental and meaningful to you. Fruit trees, flowering trees, evergreens or conifers are all completely compatible. We can´t stress enough how important it is to always choosing a native tree species or one which is common to your location, to respect the ecological balance.
These are our recommendations, but we always advise checking with a local gardening supplier or horticulturist for information on native tree species in your area. It is very important to choose a species of tree native to where you live since they are respectful of the environment and ensure better growth.
Remember you can also elect to use a seedling, or sprout instead of a seed. Or some people also chose to plant a flower, a plant, or a bush instead of a tree.
The sprouting time can depend on different factors. First of all it depends on the type of seed you decide to plant. Whatever the usual sprouting time for your chosen plant is will be the same for your Bios Urn®. Remember that planting times and seasons are very important! During the winter months, some areas are very cold, and frost can damage seeds and seedlings of all kinds. For this reason, we recommend starting the Bios Urn® off in a pot, or a planter – which many of our customers do.
Bios Urn® requires much the same care as a normal tree: water, sunlight and good temperature. As such, in order to ensure proper growth, a site with proper soil humidity, an appropriate temperature and few hours of sunlight must be selected. These requirements vary depending on the tree selected, please make sure you adhere to the care requirements for your specific tree.
If the process requires too much care on the part of the user, a good option is to use a sprout or seedling in place of a seed during the planting process.
Bios Urn® can be used with ash saved from another urn. As such, if you already have the ashes in your house, you may purchase the urn and transfer the ashes into it. You can also bring the Bios Urn® to a crematorium or funeral home so they can handle the task of transferring the ash for you. Please note, we are not involved in the transferring process.
Yes, both the Bios Urn® and the Bios Urn Pets® works with any amount of ash. You can use all of the ash, or just a small portion.
The Bios Urn® has been designed to hold all the ashes resulting after the process of cremation. The capacity of the urn is 5.8lbs (2.5 Liters).
The Bios Urn Pets® capacity is 2.9lbs (1.25 Liters). Nonetheless, it can be used with a smaller amount just in case a symbolic portion is being saved.
The Bios Urn® is legal to use! Typically the urn can be planted wherever it is legal to plant a tree, including your backyard. Most often, planting on private property is allowed and legal. We generally recommend natural environments, like gardens, backyards, forests, or parks.
Prior authorization may be required for public land (forest or park) although generally some forests will feature locations where ashes can be scattered, and these tend to correspond with places the Bios Urn® can be planted. There are many other options present, and many Bios Urn® customers have made unique arrangements in places such as: church property, golf courses, Sacred Native American land, and on prominent mountain peaks.
The Bios Urn® can be legally planted on any private property, such as a backyard or garden.
If you are looking for a public space, we have created an article that explains how to find a public place to plant the Bios Urn®. You can find recommendations for places to plant your Bios Urn® and planting your Bios Urn® in a public park or forest in the articles below. If you live in the US, we find this website quite useful.
Also if you could Google keywords such as “natural burial grounds”, “memorial gardens” or “green cemetery”, you should see what is closest to you and they are sure to be able to provide further information.
The Bios Urn® can also be planted in a planter or a Bios Incube® Lite.
If you do find a specific place, please do let us know at [email protected]! We are always on the lookout for forward-thinking cemeteries around the world.
More traditional cemeteries are offering it as an option, however you need inquire within.
Bios Urn® requires much the same care as a normal tree: water, sunlight and good temperature. As such, in order to ensure proper growth, a site with proper soil humidity, an appropriate temperature and few hours of sunlight must be selected. These requirements vary depending on the tree selected, please make sure you adhere to the care requirements for your specific tree. With any living entity, your tree will needs lots of care, especially at the beginning whilst it is establishing itself.
First, we always recommend using native or common tree species based on the region you plan on using the Bios Urn® in.
Second, planting times and seasons are very important! During the winter months, some areas are very cold, and frost can damage seeds and seedlings of all kinds. For this reason, we recommend starting the Bios Urn® off in a pot, or a Bios Incube® Lite – which many of our customers do.
Thirdly, basic care is required for the seeds – the same with the plants in your home, watering and sun is needed, but levels vary. You can check out our Planting Tips page and our FAQ page, which features additional information about the Bios Urn® and how to use it, including instructions for planting.
And lastly, people can also choose to use their own tree seeds, flower seeds, or bush seeds. We have many individuals who opt for fruit trees, or small bushes and choose seeds from a nearby nursery.
Basic care is required for any planted seed or seedling to ensure it grows healthy and strong – the same with the plants in your home, watering and sun is needed, but levels vary. You can check out our Planting Tips page and our FAQ page, which features additional information about the Bios Urn® and how to use it, including instructions for planting.
It can be tempting to pick the prettiest tree, but looks aren’t everything. You will need to find out what kind of tree will do best in your climate, soil, and growing conditions. Here are some things you can do to choose the right planting spot and to make sure your tree has everything on it´s side to grow nice and strong.
We have sold over 100,000 Bios Urns®, and with that said, we rarely receive complaints of non-growth. We provide instructions for use and planting, and we also offer comprehensive customer care and assistance so we can help any customer who may have additional questions regarding the Bios Urn®, and their tree of choice.
With any living entity, there is always a risk that something will happen – but we have been doing this for long enough to know the risks, and the best ways to minimize them.
First, we always recommend using native or common tree species based on the region you plan on using the Bios Urn® in.
Second, planting times and seasons are very important! During the winter months, some areas are very cold, and frost can damage seeds and seedlings of all kinds. For this reason, we recommend starting the Bios Urn® off in a pot, or a Bios Incube® Lite – which many of our customers do.
Thirdly, basic care is required for any planted seed or seedling to ensure it grows healthy and strong – the same with the plants in your home, watering and sun is needed, but levels vary. You can check out our Planting Tips page and our FAQ page, which features additional information about the Bios Urn® and how to use it, including instructions for planting.
And lastly, people can also choose to use their own tree seeds, flower seeds, or bush seeds. We have many individuals who opt for fruit trees, or small bushes and choose seeds from a nearby nursery.
Yes, Bios Urn Pets® was designed especially for this case. You can find more information on the urns on the shop section of the website.
The Bios Urn Pets® box size is 16 x 16 x 16 cm, a weight of 0,43 Kg (0.95lbs) and a capacity of 2.9lbs (1.25 Liters).
The Bios Urn® and Bios Urn Pets® work in exactly the same way. The only difference is that the Bios Urn Pets® is smaller in size and the price is therefore lower. So it is more adapted to a lower quantity of ashes.
The Bios Urn® box size is 16 x 16 x 32 cm, a weight of 0,85 Kg (1.87lbs) and a capacity of 5.8lbs (2.5 Liters).
The Bios Urn Pets® box size is 16 x 16 x 16 cm, a weight of 0,43 Kg (0.95lbs) and a capacity of 2.9lbs (1.25 Liters).
Yes, you can elect to use a seedling, or sprout instead of a seed.
Absolutely, the choice is yours.
Yes, you can plant the urn in a planting pot with enough capacity to bury the urn and then transplant it to its final location. We have created the Bios Incube®, the first system that lets you plant your Bios Urn® close to you, and combines the insights of tree growth with data from its environment. Depending on the type of tree, the Bios Incube® will water it accordingly.
The intent of the Bios Incube® Lite is to offer people a sustainable alternative for remembering deceased persons or pets in a natural and contemporary way. The urn will biodegrade during the period of incubation, slowly becoming a part of the soil and subsoil.
Everyone has the right to affordable, sustainable death care. The Bios Incube® Lite has been designed for city dwellers with limited access to natural land, those seeking an alternative to traditional burials, and for people who want to meaningfully connect with their loved ones who have passed away every single day.
Bios Incube® Lite is a complementary planter designed to fit the Bios Urn® (or Bios Urn Pets®) and grow a tree indoors or on a terrace.
We created this unique planter specifically for those who lack natural space to plant the Bios Urn® (or Bios Urn Pets®), who live in temporary locations, or who just prefer to have an indoor tree.
All of our urns work in conjunction with the Bios Incube® Lite; the Urn is planted seamlessly into the incubator.
The original Bios Incube® came with a sensor device which combined the insights of tree growth with data from its environment in order to tell you the needs of your tree. The device attached to the surface of the soil and would be updated on the growth conditions and status of the seed or tree. The sensor would monitor soil moisture and temperature as well as air temperature and humidity.
The original Bios Incube® was also equipped with a built-in self-watering system which is triggered by the sensor attached to soil´s surface. Water was held within the structure of this smart incubator, then automatically released homogeneously around the seed.
The original Bios Incube® is no longer available. We now offer the much more economical Bios Incube® Lite. It does not include the sensor and therefore any of the technological aspects, nor does it water autonomously, however it enables you to plant your Bios Urn® close to you, whether that be in your home, on your terrace or in your garden.
Discover 12 reasons to use a Bios Incube® Lite here!
Both the Bios Urn® and the Bios Urn Pets® work in perfect conjunction with the Bios Incube® Lite: the Urn is planted seamlessly into the incubator.
Planting an urn inside the Bios Incube® Lite is extremely easy. It works in the same way as any standard planter. All you need are some small stones, good quality soil-based compost, your Bios Urn® and your chosen seed or seedling. Then you are ready to go! Just follow these simple steps:
Planting steps:
It’s in-built drainage opening at the bottom is ideal to drain any excess water. Any additional water will seep through the bottom therefore avoiding your plant getting overly wet and supporting good cultivation requirements. If you don’t want the floor to get wet, you can use a tray or dish under the planter.
The Bios Incube® Lite can be kept inside or outside enabling you to ensure that sunlight requirements of the chosen tree or plant are met.
This unique planter has a contemporary and minimalist design which adapts to any environment or space it is placed in. It blends seamlessly into all types of backgrounds, from a home, to an office or a garden.
Chose from the five available colors: White, Pistachio, Light Blue, Brown or Anthracite.
The Bios Incube® Lite can be kept inside or outside enabling you to ensure that sunlight requirements of the chosen tree or plant are met. It’s size, shape, and weight are perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
It´s materials mean it is a lightweight planter choice enabling it to be easily moved inside and outside or around the house depending on sun exposure requirements. Find out how much sunlight your tree or plant needs and place the Bios Incube® Lite somewhere with adequate light levels.
The Bios Incube® Lite works with any kind of seed, therefore enabling you to choose a tree which is sentimental and meaningful to you. You can also elect to use a seedling, or sprout instead of a seed. Fruit trees, flowering trees, evergreens or conifers are all completely compatible. Some people also chose to plant a flower or a plant instead of a tree. The choice is yours!
We can’t stress enough how important it is to always use native tree species, to ensure growth, and so that you are respectful to your local environment. Please message us if you have questions regarding seed choices, or inquire at a local nursery to see what options are best suited for your location.
The Bios Incube® Lite can be used short term or longer term.
You can chose to plant a dwarf tree, plant or flower and leave it in the Bios Incube® Lite indefinitely.
You can also chose a normal tree or bigger plant, taking care of it while it establishes well and then transplanting it. Once your tree has grown to an appropriate size, we recommend planting it somewhere natural, such as a forest, or backyard.
Most trees will reach adequate size within 12-18 months. You can transplant the tree earlier or later depending on the chosen tree and how well it’s growing. Please note that trees will only grow in accordance to the volume of their soil. If the tree is left in the Bios Incube®Lite, it’s growth will be stunted and it will only grow to reach a certain size, until transplanted to a setting with more soil space.
The Bios Incube® Lite can also be used more than once, with different urns. It can be used to grow other trees and plants as a normal container too.
It´s dimensions are:
30″ Height x 13″ Diameter
or
76 cm Height x 33 cm Diameter.
Yes, the Bios Urn Pets® can be planted seamlessly in the Bios Incube® Lite.
Yes, it can also be used with different urns. It can also be used to grow other trees and plants as a normal container
Learning how to water a tree is one of the best ways to keep it healthy and stress-free, especially during the hotter months of the year. But did you know that the most common watering mistake is actually too much water?
Whether it’s too much or too little, watering can be tricky if you don’t know how to do it. Follow our guide below to ensure your tree thrives.
There are a few ways you can pre-plan with Bios Urn®, which include adding them to your funeral arrangements, or pre-purchasing. We recommend checking out our complete guide for pre-planning to learn more about which option best suits your needs.
Yes, the Bios Urn® can be purchased in advance and saved for when the time comes, making a note in your arrangements as to which tree, shrub, or plant you would like to have planted with your urn.
We recommend putting it in writing. If you already have a plan in place, all you need to do is add the Bios Urn® and a few other details (i.e place to plant, tree choice, etc.) We offer a free form you can download which can be added filled out and added to your arrangements.
The Bios Urn® is $140 USD, or 140€, or the equivalent in your respective currency. If you purchase four or more urns, shipping is free. The Bios Urn Pets® is $99 USD, or 99€, or the equivalent in your respective currency. If you purchase four or more urns, shipping is free.
We accept all payment of all kinds, from bank account transfer, credit or debit card payment (Stripe or PayPal) and PayPal.
The Bios Urn® box includes: A Bios Urn®, an expansion disc and instructions for planting (printed on the box packaging).
The expansion disc is made of coco peat and paper and increases in size to mix with the ashes overtime. It also includes vermiculture which is a prepared soil mix that allows a perfect water flow.
The Bios Urn® is made using a custom moulding system which is produced without the use of glues or chemical additives. The degradation of the product is respectful to the environment because of its organic components.
It’s the perfect medium to allow for the proper growth of a tree or plant when planted with the remains of your loved one.
Yes, our webpage is equipped and certified with Secure Socket Layer (SSL). As such, information is transmitted in encoded fashion, with no danger to our clients’ confidentiality. Both site browsing and online shopping are 100% secure. You may verify the security protocol https:// by means of the EV identification on your browser’s address bar.
We also have the approval and verification of third-party payment platforms, such as PayPal and Stripe, and e-commerce institutions such as “Online trust (Online trust)”.If you would like, you can access our website and company’s information in sections: legal terms and conditions for using the website.
We ship worldwide. You can purchase the Bios® products directly on our website. The shipping costs are not included in the product price and will be confirmed at the end of the check out process prior to finalizing your order.
Simply select your product, and checkout using credit card or paypal. Following payment, your order will be shipped and you should receive it within the below delivery times depending on your country:
3-8 business days (most countries in Europe).
from 9 business days (Russia)
5-8 business days (most countries in America).
6-8 business days (most countries in Asia).
from 8 business days (China)
We currently have only one shipping method for the Bios® products. If you need your Bios® order expedited, please email us and we will endeavor to help you.
We have a fulfillment center in the United States, and one in Europe. Our fulfillment centers deliver the Bios® products to the US and Canada between 5-8 business days. For European orders, the delivery time frame is 3-8 days. You can find more information on prices and delivery timeframes on our website’s shipping section.
Following payment, your order will be shipped within 2 business days and you will receive a tracking number be email. You should then receive your order within the below delivery timeframes from the day after you make your purchase online:
3-8 business days (most countries in Europe)
5-8 business days (most countries in America)
6-8 business days (most countries in Asia)
from 8 business days (China)
from 9 business days (Russia)
Our normal business hours are Monday-Friday. Any and all orders processed over the weekend or on public holidays will be processed the next working day.
Delivery rates:
Flat rate shipping varies depending on country. You can see the shipping cost when you enter in your delivery address details in the Shopping Cart stage before making the payment.
IMPORTANT CUSTOMS INFORMATION: The law considers an import the acquisition and delivery of a Bios Urn product in a country outside the European Union, so you may be required to pay import taxes and fees at the time the package reaches its destination. Customs policies vary from one country to another, so we recommend that you check with your customs office since any additional amount will have to be paid by the buyer. Bios cannot be held responsible for any delays delivering any of our products if the customs office of your country holds and investigates the package.
If you have any questions about the status of your order, please email us with your order number and we will try to provide you with an update.
To infinity and beyond! No, really. We ship worldwide. Shipping costs are calculated according to the amount of units purchased and the final destination. Please note, some countries have higher shipping rates than others.
If you are wholesaler, a shop or offer related services, and you wish to offer the Bios Urn®, please visit the distributors section of the website or email to [email protected].
Access the legal section and the privacy policy.