By Kamen Netsov, CEO Nebesna Funeral Home, Sofia, Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the conversation about sustainability in funeral care is only just beginning. Our country’s funeral traditions are deeply symbolic and often passed down unchanged for generations. For many families, the rituals surrounding death are among the few aspects of life that remain untouched by modern trends - which makes introducing “green” practices both delicate and essential.

At Nebesna Funeral Homes, we see environmental awareness not as a trend, but as a natural evolution of respect - for the deceased, for the living, and for the planet. Although there are still few companies in Bulgaria working in this direction, we have made a conscious commitment to small, steady improvements.

Among the steps we’ve taken are the introduction of eco coffins for cremations, paper bags, and wooden boxes and spoons used in memorial food offerings, which replace plastic items traditionally used for “Bog da prosti” (the ritual meal in memory of the departed). We also offer eco urns and support the “The Tree Remembers” initiative by Sortem - a meaningful way for families to plant a living memorial tree.

Interestingly, families rarely ask for these solutions on their own. Most conversations about eco-friendly funerals are initiated by our team. The people who respond most positively are usually those who have lived abroad, where sustainability is already part of daily culture. In contrast, local families often prefer to preserve what feels traditional and familiar - not out of resistance, but out of reverence.

Looking ahead, we do not anticipate a rapid transformation in Bulgaria’s funeral industry. However, we are committed to reducing our own carbon footprint, exploring electric hearses, and continuing to introduce low-impact materials and practices wherever possible. For us, progress is measured not by speed, but by sincerity.

The main obstacles remain cultural and economic. Sustainable materials can cost more, and the emotional nature of funeral planning means families often make decisions quickly, guided by tradition rather than ecological awareness. Still, as education and global influence grow, we expect a slow but meaningful shift.

In the end, sustainability in funerals is not about replacing tradition - it’s about honouring life in a gentler way. Each eco coffin, each paper bag, each planted tree is a quiet act of respect for the world that carries us all.