FAQs
Questions About Use and Burial
How long does it take for the urn to decompose?
Under natural conditions in the soil, Evig decomposes within about 180 days. The exact duration depends on the specific soil conditions, moisture, and temperature.
What happens to the urn after burial?
Evig decomposes completely and becomes part of the natural cycle of matter. It enriches the soil with nutrients and promotes new growth. No new fungus is formed—the mycelium serves exclusively as a biologically valuable substance.
Can the urn be painted or decorated?
Yes. Evig is ideal for decorating with watercolors or other water-based, eco-friendly paints. The material absorbs paint gently and evenly.
Is Evig also suitable for burials at sea?
Not at this time.
Is Evig certified for use in forest cemeteries?
Yes, in Germany.
Is the Evig urn approved for use in all cemeteries in Germany? Yes. The Evig urn meets all legal requirements for burial in cemeteries as well as in burial forests (e.g., FriedWald, RuheForst), as it is 100% biodegradable and leaves behind no harmful substances.
Does the standard ash capsule from the crematorium fit into the Evig urn?
Yes, our urns are sized so that standard ash capsules commonly used by German crematoriums fit inside without any problems. However, to fully embrace the principle of sustainability, we include a biodegradable ash bag with every shipment as standard. Since conventional ash capsules take a very long time to decompose, we recommend transferring the ashes into the ash bag. The final decision, of course, is at the discretion of the funeral home.
Is there a difference between the urn and the memorial sphere?
Yes. The urn is designed for a traditional burial in the ground, while the memorial sphere is made of the same material and can also be buried as part of a ceremony. However, the memorial sphere offers a wide range of ways to say goodbye—from painting it, placing it on a windowsill, holding it in your hand, or burying it during a walk at a beloved location. The memorial sphere is the counterpart to the urn, which is not subject to cemetery regulations. When stored in a dry place, it retains its shape permanently.
Do you offer custom-made products or individual designs?
Since our urns are grown from fungal mycelium through a natural, biological process, we are unable to accept customer-specific custom orders or design changes during production.
However, each individual urn is already completely one-of-a-kind due to its natural growth and subsequent handcrafted finishing. Tip for the consultation: The material is ideal for subsequent customization by family members or your funeral home (painting, adding metalwork, attaching pins, etc.). Upon request, we’d also be happy to put you in touch with talented artists who specialize in the respectful design of our urns.
How can we become a partner as a funeral home?
We supply exclusively to specialized companies within the funeral network (B2B). If you’d like to include our product range in your offerings, please use our online login or our contact form. We’ll send you our dealer price lists and informational materials right away.
Questions About Ordering and Logistics (B2B)
How long is the delivery time?
Typically seven to fourteen days within Germany. We keep a limited number of Evig urns in stock, so the shipping time depends largely on postal transit time.
How sturdy is the urn during shipping?
Despite being made from all-natural materials, Evig is sturdy and durable enough to withstand shipping by mail. We carefully package each urn and ship it in a climate-neutral manner.
What happens if an urn arrives damaged?
Although the material is very sturdy, we pack every shipment with the utmost care. Should damage still occur during shipping, please contact us immediately upon receipt. We will arrange for a quick and free replacement right away.
What payment methods do you offer for business customers?
We offer payment by invoice, credit card, and prepayment for processing your orders.
Questions about manufacturing, materials, and storage
How is an Evig urn made?
Each urn grows organically over a period of five to seven days. During this time, the fungal mycelium grows through the hemp fibers, forming a stable, natural weave. The material is then gently dehydrated to halt growth and preserve the product.
What is Evig made of?
Evig consists exclusively of fungal mycelium and hemp—two renewable, fully biodegradable raw materials.
Does the fungus continue to live after the process is complete?
No. After controlled growth, the mycelium is dried and is therefore completely inactive. However, it remains as a structure-forming and stabilizing material.
What exactly is fungal mycelium?
Fungal mycelium is the fine, root-like network of the fungus. It permeates organic materials, connecting them at the microscopic level and giving them a high degree of natural stability.
Does the urn have a smell?
Evig emits a subtle, pleasant scent of natural raw materials—similar to dried earth, the forest, or wood.
Is the material safe for health?
Yes. The material is completely emission-free and low in harmful substances. The air quality in the immediate vicinity meets the highest rating (A+).
Does the material develop mold when stored?
No, the material does not develop mold in the ground or under normal storage conditions, as the mycelium is inactive. Decomposition only begins upon prolonged contact with soil microorganisms. Important storage note: Please store the urns in a dry, clean place—not in damp basements or garages. In conditions of extremely high humidity, other external organic matter may settle on the material and begin to grow.
Questions about Origin and Philosophy
Where is Evig manufactured?
Evig is manufactured in Preetz/Kiel (Northern Germany)—carefully handcrafted locally using modern, controlled cultivation methods
Where do the raw materials come from?
Our industrial hemp is grown locally in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. We work closely with farms that sustainably utilize these valuable agricultural byproducts.
Which mushroom is used?
We use the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). In many cultures, it is traditionally regarded as a symbol of eternal life and immortality—a meaning that perfectly reflects our circular approach to materials.
Why the combination of mushroom mycelium and hemp?
It’s the perfect symbiosis of stability and uncompromising sustainability. Hemp grows extremely quickly and sequesters large amounts of CO₂ even as it grows. The mushroom mycelium acts as a high-tech biological adhesive. Together, they create a product that takes nothing from nature but instead returns valuable nutrients to it after use.