Beyond the grave: Convention shows latest trends in funeral services

New trends include eco-friendly caskets and tech savvy mementos

Image | Canada 150 casket - Northern Casket - Charlottetown - 7/6/17

Caption: A casket has been designed to commemorate Canada's 150th anniversary. The casket is designed by Northern Casket, based in Ontario, and will be auctioned off for charity. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

The latest trends in funeral services were on display Wednesday in Charlottetown, where the Funeral Service Association of Canada is holding its annual convention.
Yves Berthiaume, president-elect of the association, said the funeral industry is rapidly changing due to technology.
"Technology has changed with video, mementos for the ritual," he said.

Image | Cadillac hearse - Charlottetown - 07/06/17

Caption: This Cadillac was designed to be able to transport the body after death and function as a hearse. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

Image | Fingerprint mementos - 07/06/17

Caption: Fingerprints of the deceased can be recorded and saved to your smart phone through an app, and then placed on a memento of your choosing. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

Berthiaume said technology allows for new elements in funerals such as videos and live feeds where people can share their memories and have it display on a screen.

Image | Urns - Charlottetown - 07/06/17

Caption: Urns can be fashioned into almost anything, like a boot, sea shell or water drop. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

Eco-friendly burial

Another growing trend is environmentally friendly burial options.
"People are looking a lot for new alternatives in the funeral industry," said Greg Watier of Bios Canada, a company that sells biodegradable urns that can grow trees using ashes.
"The concept of being able to give back when you'll be gone ... there's a lot of enthusiam."

Image | Bios - Charlottetown - 07/06/17

Caption: Biodegradable urns by Bios have gone viral over the past few years as a more eco-friendly burial option. The urns allow you to grow trees using ashes and cost less than $300. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

Image | Biodegradable seashell urn - 07/06/17

Caption: These seashell urns are made from biodegradable materials. The urns can be placed in the water where they will initially float, then sink and degrade over time. (Al MacCormick/CBC)

But Watier said these kinds of urns are a big commitment and not for everybody.
"You have to be cautious about where you're going to plant that tree and your capacity to grow that tree."