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Product Size Guide
Urn Size Calculator
Urn volume Required (Cubic inches)
GPI-SGOAB
| Capacity | 200 cu. Inches |
| Dimensions | 7.25"Dia x 9"H |
| Material | Sand & Gelatin |
| Opening | Secures at Top |
| Size | Adult Urns |
The Sand and Gelatin Urns are produced using sustainable materials to create an attractive and environmentally friendly alternative for families. Each urn is hand painted by skilled artisans and some designs include real beach sand or crushed quartz applied to the outer surface of the urn. The urns have holes in the bottom to allow water to enter quickly so that they float only briefly and then gracefully sink when placed into water.
Each urn includes a biodegradable bag into which the cremated remains must be placed. No glue is required to seal the urn. Simply remove the lid, carefully moisten the inside lip and replace the lid. It will seal itself. The urns are produced with a vegetable-based gelatin.
Each urn is shipped in a box with custom protective packaging that provides families with a convenient and discreet option for transportation. The box (and urn) will pass through airport security screenings and can fit in the overhead compartment of most commercial airliners.
When buried in the ground, the urn will biodegrade within three months. When placed into water, the urn will break down within three days.
These urns meet federal regulations requiring all containers used for burials at sea be 100% biodegradable. Federal regulations also require that burial occurs no closer than 3 nautical miles from shore.
|
Size |
Capacity |
Dimensions |
|
Adult |
200 Cu Inches |
7.5″Dia x 9″H |
A biodegradable urn is a type of cremation urn designed to naturally break down in soil or water, allowing cremated remains to return to nature with minimal environmental impact. These urns are commonly made from eco-friendly materials like paper, salt, sand, or plant-based fibers. Many biodegradable urns also use natural dyes and non-toxic adhesives to keep the urn completely earth-safe.
The amount of time a biodegradable urn takes to decompose depends on the material and where it’s placed. Some biodegradable urns dissolve in water in just a few hours, while others may take weeks or even months to break down in the ground.
For example, sand-and-gelatin urns may dissolve within days (or even hours) in water, but could take 2–3 months in soil. Paper biodegradable urns may float briefly before sinking and can biodegrade in less than 24 hours in water.
Yes, you can bury a biodegradable urn in the ground, and many families choose this option as part of an eco-friendly memorial. Ground burial is often simplest on private property, where the urn can be placed near a tree, garden, or memorial plant.
Some cemeteries also allow biodegradable urn burial, particularly those with green burial sections. If you’re unsure, a funeral director or local cemetery can confirm what is permitted. For burials on public lands, such as state or national parks, you’ll need to contact the managing agency to check regulations.
A biodegradable urn for water burial is designed to float briefly and then dissolve naturally, allowing ashes to be released in a respectful way. These urns may be used in oceans, seas, and sometimes large inland waters depending on local laws.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidance for burial at sea, including:
Families may conduct the ceremony from their own boat or hire a charter. Many cruise lines also offer burial at sea services.
The time it takes for a biodegradable urn to dissolve in water depends on the urn’s material:
Water conditions such as temperature, currents, and salinity can also affect the timing.
Yes, it is generally legal to scatter cremated ashes in the ocean, either by releasing ashes directly into the water or by using a biodegradable urn designed for burial at sea.
In the U.S., the EPA requires that ocean scattering or water burial occur at least three nautical miles offshore. They also request that families notify the agency within 30 days after the burial.
No — human ashes do not dissolve in water and do not biodegrade. Cremated remains are made primarily of processed bone fragments and minerals such as calcium phosphates. When placed in water, ashes will not float and will remain as solid particles rather than dissolving like biodegradable materials.
