Our Plate Is Full: Lessons from a European Cremation Journey

There is an old German folk saying: „Jeder sollte auf seinen eigenen Teller schauen, aber ab und zu auch auf den des Nachbarn.”

“Everyone must look at their own plate, but occasionally also at their neighbor’s.”

It reminds us to be curious about what others have and consider new options for ourselves. In the cremation profession, this wisdom feels particularly relevant.

Every country, every business, and every association has its own plate to manage. We navigate unique regulations, cultural expectations, consumer preferences, technologies, and operational realities. The daily responsibility of serving families—often during their most difficult moments—can easily consume all of our attention.

Our plates are, without question, full. Yet progress rarely comes from focusing inward alone. It comes when we look up.

A Journey Beyond Our Own Plate

This belief guided the recent journey across Europe that I took with CANA President Lindsey Ballard at the beginning of June.

Every other year, the International Cremation Federation (ICF), for whom I have the privilege to currently serve as President, gathers alongside a major funeral exposition. This year, our meetings were held in conjunction with the European Cremation Network (ECN) and the Funeral Trade Exhibition (Bestattungsfachausstellung or BEFA) trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Before those meetings and expositions began, Lindsey and I participated in the Orthometals Study Tour—a multi-day experience designed to provide an in-depth look at cremation and memorialization practices across several leading European markets.

A Global Conversation on the Road

There was a remarkably  diverse group of attendees. I learned just as much during the conversations I had with my Australian seatmate on the bus as I did during the formal tours and programming. – Lindsey Ballard, CANA President

Beginning in Amsterdam, our group brought together professionals from around the world—Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Finland, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. Over several days, we traveled by coach through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, visiting a  range of cremation facilities and related organizations.

Despite our varied backgrounds, we shared a common purpose: to learn from one another.

Each stop offered not only a glimpse into different systems and practices, but also an opportunity to exchange ideas, ask questions, and reflect on how our  approaches compare and contrast.

This experience reinforced what we already knew—no one country has all the answers.

What We Saw—and What It Means

Throughout the tour, several key themes emerged.

1. Cremation Facilities Reflect Culture

The crematories we visited were so beautiful, clean and welcoming. They were designed with intention to meet the needs of their communities and welcome families through their doors. – Lindsey Ballard, CANA President

The crematoria we visited varied widely in design, scale, and atmosphere. Some emphasized modern architecture and technology, while others focused on creating deeply personal, serene experiences for families.

What stood out most was how clearly these facilities reflected cultural expectations. The way services are structured, how families interact with the process, and even the design of the spaces themselves are shaped by the values of the communities they serve.

It was a powerful reminder: best practices are not one-size-fits-all.

2. Innovation Is Already Operational

Seeing how Belgium is implementing alkaline hydrolysis was so interesting. They are gathering information and doing research that already exists in the US. As I spoke with their staff, I began sharing tips and lessons I’ve learned over the past 6 years since we implemented Resomation in my business… it was clear that there is so much we learn from each other if we only start the conversation. – Lindsey Ballard, CANA President

Among the crematoria visits, we toured Europe’s first alkaline hydrolysis facility located at CANA Member Pontes in Belgium. Seeing this technology in operation—and understanding the regulatory, academic and cultural framework that supports it—provided valuable perspective for those of us navigating similar conversations in other regions.

We also visited Loop Biotech, where mycelium-based burial products represent a striking example of sustainability-driven innovation in the design of coffins and urns.

Our visit to CANA Member Orthometals highlighted an often-overlooked part of the cremation process: the recovery and recycling of metals following cremation. What was once considered a minor operational detail has evolved into a highly organized, global effort that emphasizes environmental responsibility and ethical stewardship.

These are not theoretical concepts. They are real, functioning solutions already serving communities.

3. Sustainability Is a Driving Force

Across nearly every stop, sustainability emerged as a central theme.

From material innovation to equipment design and maintenance and energy practices, there is a clear and growing focus on reducing environmental impact. This is not being driven solely by regulation, but increasingly by cost concerns and consumer expectations.

Families are asking new questions—and the profession is responding.

4. Direct Cremation is Increasingly Global

Direct cremation, defined in the US as cremation without services provided by a funeral home or cemetery, is often referred to as a “technical cremation” among the group we traveled with. A technical cremation is conducted without ceremony or witnessing.

In all countries except Germany, the majority of cremations take place with a brief ceremony. Often a reception with food and beverage follows when permitted. As in the US, the cremation itself is typically low cost, but the gathering, catering and placement of the urn generate income for the crematorium.

Technical cremations are rising in frequency, as are witnessed cremations. At every location we heard about the importance of choice and personalization.

The Value of Looking Beyond Ourselves

Everyone on the tour, regardless of their country or culture, shared a passion for providing families with quality cremation services. – Lindsey Ballard, CANA President

Looking at our neighbor’s plate is not about comparison or competition, rather it is about curiosity.

It is about understanding how others are responding to workforce challenges, shifting consumer expectations, technological advances, and evolving regulations. It is about recognizing both the similarities we share and the differences that shape our approaches.

As we celebrate 150 years of cremation in the United States, it was meaningful to partake in Germany’s own 150th anniversary celebration. The cremation movement has always evolved through the exchange of ideas. Innovations, best practices, and professional standards have crossed borders and generations because leaders were willing to look at their neighbor’s plate: to listen, observe, and adapt.

Experiences like this do more than broaden perspective—they directly inform how we think about our own work.

They challenge us to ask:

• What can we adapt from what we’ve seen?
• How can we better meet changing expectations?
• Where are we falling behind—and where are we leading?
  

The participants of the tour discussed these questions and made plans to take what they learned back to their national associations and colleagues.

A Call to Engage

As members of a global profession, we each have a responsibility to care for our own plate. But we also have an opportunity—and perhaps an obligation—to occasionally look up.

Engage with peers beyond your immediate network. Participate in conversations that show us new ideas. Share your experiences and be open to learning from others.

The future of cremation will not be built by any one nation, business, or organization. It will be shaped through collaboration, shared learning, and mutual respect.

Closing Reflection

Our plates are full. That will not change.

But what can change—what must change—is how often we look beyond them.

Because when we take the time to see what others are doing, to ask questions, and to share ideas, we do more than improve our own work. You need not travel abroad to practice this but instead can do so with your local or national associations and colleagues.

We help shape the future of our profession—together.

If you’re ready for conversations and ideas that get you thinking outside of the box, consider CANA’s 108th Annual Convention. There, presenters will talk about topics like AI, death doulas, abandoned urns, and more. But the conversations you can experience with cremation leaders from across the nation during breaks, meals, and in your down time are just as valuable. Join us in Minneapolis this August 12-14: cremationassociation.org/CANA26

Barbara Kemmis is Executive Director of the Cremation Association of North America where she promotes all things cremation through member programs, education and strategic partnerships. After more than 25 years of experience in association leadership, Barbara knows that bringing people together to advance common goals is not only fun, but the most effective strategy to get things done.

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Barbara earned a master’s degree in library science from Dominican University, a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from North Park University and a B.A. from Earlham College.