I am on a very tight deadline for Tecnon OrbiChem’s Biomaterials newsletter but I can’t resist posting this news about kickstarter company, Bios Urn (or Urna Bios), based in Spain.  This startup is selling a 100% biodegradable urn using a custom moulding system (no glues or chemical additives used) where you can put your loved ones (or yours if you want) ashes, use it as some sort of fertilizer and grow a tree on the urn. You can check more information on this video.

Capacity of the urn is said to be 5.8 lbs and costs around $145 (plus S&H). Here’s a brief company description:

“Urna Bios was an idea from designer Gerard Moliné, introduced in the year 1997. Later on, in the year 2002, Bios Urn won the ADI FAD medal, and in the year 2005, it was a Top Nominee for the INDEX Award and Premio Expohogar Regalo (Exhihome Gift Award). After several years, and with Roger Moliné joining the team, Bios Urn became a start-up company with the aim of changing the way people understands life.”

I don’t know the particular materials involved in this product but I do wonder what the potential market is going to be for this kind of application? The company’s latest stats is that more than 60,000 Bios Urn have already been sold worldwide. It is definitely a cheaper alternative and more sustainable too compared to traditional burials.

I, for one, am interested. Happy Monday!