Return Funeral Service

Problem

Sydney is facing a significant shortage of burial space and may run out of available land by 2051. Many people cannot choose cremation because of cultural or religious beliefs and often feel uncertain and overwhelmed when considering sustainable alternatives.

How Might We

How might we help families explore sustainable funeral options that honor cultural values while feeling clear, respectful, and approachable?

Research

I examined government reports, environmental data, cultural practices, and competitors such as Recompose. I also analyzed conversations in forums and on social media, which revealed that many people feel anxious and confused when faced with unfamiliar funeral choices and are seeking compassionate, clear guidance.

Key insight: People urgently need sustainable funeral options but lack trust and understanding of newer methods.

Solution: Return

I created Return, a digital funeral service that helps families discover sustainable options with care and understanding. One of the main offerings is Promession, an eco-friendly process where the body is gently frozen, broken down into an organic powder, and placed in a biodegradable container. Over the course of a year, it transforms into healthy soil that can nourish new plant life, creating a living tribute to someone’s memory.

Promession uses significantly less land and produces fewer emissions than traditional burial or cremation, giving families a way to honor loved ones while protecting the environment.

The Return website is designed to be gentle, clear, and supportive. It explains funeral options in simple language, provides transparent cost information, and helps families compare choices. My goal was to create a digital experience that makes people feel informed and comforted while facing one of life’s hardest decisions.

From a business perspective, I chose to include both natural burial and cremation alongside Promession. Cremation remains very common, and excluding it would limit the reach of Return’s services. Natural burial is also sustainable but requires dedicated land and may not be feasible in all urban areas. By offering both familiar and innovative choices, Return can serve more families and help lead the shift toward greener funerals.

Outcome

Return empowers families to consider sustainable farewell options that align with personal values and environmental responsibility, positioning green funerals as a modern, accessible choice for Australians.

Reflection

This project showed me how thoughtful design and empathetic communication can turn complex, sensitive topics into clear and supportive experiences. It reinforced my belief that design has the power to bring clarity and comfort, even during life’s most difficult moments.