By Damir Sapanjos, President of Croatian Funeral Association (UPH, Udruga Pogrebnika Hrvatske), Croatia

In Croatia, funerals continue to follow deeply rooted traditions. The vast majority of families still choose in-ground coffin burials, while a modest rise in cremations has been observed. Despite global trends toward eco-friendly funeral practices, Croatian funeral directors largely maintain conventional methods, with few moving toward greener options.

This lack of ecological progress is not solely due to funeral directors’ preferences. A major obstacle lies in municipal companies, which control much of the funeral sector and are unprepared for environmentally friendly reforms. Their rigid structure and limited openness to innovation effectively block the broader adoption of sustainable funeral practices.

State Restrictions and Market Control

Industry professionals argue that the State and its institutions must fundamentally change their approach. By continually favouring municipal companies and restricting private sector activity, they prevent meaningful development. If the State were to liberalize the market, allowing private funeral directors to operate freely, it could lead to greater professionalism, service diversification, and higher quality standards.

Currently, private funeral companies face heavy constraints. Municipal companies often operate with artificially low, “dumping” prices, accumulating losses that are later covered by taxpayers. This system stifles fair competition, discourages innovation, and limits the availability of modern funeral options that could benefit grieving families and the environment alike.

Limited Interest in “Green” Funerals

While interest in environmentally friendly funerals is still low, funeral directors note that they do promote such options in conversations with families. Younger generations, in particular, are showing curiosity about sustainable practices, such as eco-burials or alternative cremation methods. Unfortunately, due to restrictive municipal regulations, many of these discussions never advance beyond the idea stage.

Tradition vs. Innovation

Despite challenges, the Croatian market is slowly evolving. Traditional burials still dominate due to cultural and religious traditions, while cremation continues to rise - often reflecting the deceased’s personal wishes or practical considerations, such as lower costs and reduced space requirements for urn placement.
Scattering ashes in nature, although permitted by the Law on Funeral Services, remains practically restricted. Municipal companies often require that ashes be scattered only within cemeteries, undermining families’ ability to fulfil their loved ones’ final wishes.

Pioneering Change

The only private company currently taking concrete steps toward modernization is Pogrebnik MIMA, led by Mr. Damir Sapanjoš, President of the Croatian Funeral Association. The company intends to introduce new technologies such as resomation (water cremation), cryonics, and improved gas cremation systems. These innovations could redefine the future of Croatian funerals, if allowed by the regulatory framework.

Looking Ahead

As Croatia grapples with balancing tradition and innovation in funeral practices, the path forward depends on government openness and market reform. The Croatian Funeral Association remains the oldest and most active professional organization advocating for positive change - pushing for a future where families can choose freely, funeral professionals can innovate responsibly, and the industry can finally align with ecological and European trends.