Funerals By Design now provides the option of shrouded cremation at Woronora Memorial Park, offering families a dignified and environmentally conscious alternative to a traditional coffin-based cremation.
This simpler, more natural method of farewell still maintains the highest standards of care and respect and may be arranged as part of a personalised funeral service or a memorial service.
Families may include a ceremony prior to cremation, private or public viewings, or other elements of farewell such as music, readings or symbolic rituals. Our team works closely with each family to tailor the service according to their wishes.
Following changes to NSW legislation in 2025, shrouded cremation is now recognised and approved under NSW Health regulations, ensuring full compliance with legal and professional standards.
The shrouded cremation process differs from traditional cremation in the way the deceased is prepared for cremation. Instead of being placed into a coffin or a casket, their body is wrapped in a fabric shroud.
Once wrapped in the fabric shroud, they are secured on a purpose-built wooden shroud bearer that supports the body during transportation and cremation.
The shroud bearer has been designed to ensure stability, safety and dignity throughout the process.
Shrouded cremation is not a new concept. Across the world, many cultures and faiths have long embraced shrouding as part of their funeral practices.
The recent legislative change in NSW makes it possible for families here to honour those traditions in a legally recognised way.
Hindu Traditions – In many parts of India and Nepal, the deceased are wrapped in a plain cloth, often white or saffron, before being placed on the funeral pyre for cremation. This symbolises purity and simplicity.
Buddhist Communities – Some Buddhist practices favour cremation with minimal use of materials, where the body is wrapped in cloth before cremation as an expression of humility and impermanence.
First Nations Communities in Australia – While cremation is not a traditional practice, shrouding resonates with the First Nations’ cultural values of humility, respect for the land, and minimal disturbance of the environment.
For some families, shrouded cremation may offer a way to adapt traditional values to contemporary circumstances while maintaining a strong link to Country.
Beyond formal religions, many people who live with strong eco-friendly values seek shrouded cremation as a way to return to nature with minimal impact while minimising impact on the environment.
1. Reduced Material Use
Traditional coffins and caskets are often made from timber, metal, plastics, and adhesives. Shrouded options replace these with a simple cloth wrap, significantly lowering resource consumption.
2. Lower Carbon Footprint
Compared to traditional cremation, there is no coffin or casket to burn, so less energy is required during the cremation process, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
And compared to traditional burial, shrouded burial avoids the long-term impact of treated woods, metals, and synthetic linings in the soil.
3. Natural Decomposition
For shrouded burials, natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, or linen allow the body to return to the earth more gently and organically, leaving little to no trace of synthetic material.
4. Minimal Chemical Impact
Without lacquered finishes, glues, plastics, or varnishes, shrouded options reduce chemical residues entering the air (during cremation) or soil (during burial).
5. Alignment with Sustainable Values
Choosing a shrouded option reflects a conscious decision to honour life while protecting the environment, in line with eco-friendly lifestyles and cultural practices that value simplicity and care for the earth.
Although shrouded cremations have been legal and available in Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland for several years, in NSW shrouded cremation is currently only available at Woronora Memorial Park and Crematorium.
For families considering this option, Funerals By Design provides guidance at every stage. Our team can advise on planning requirements, cultural or religious considerations, and the practical details involved.
Funerals By Design will coordinate all aspects of the process with the facility to ensure the highest level of care and professionalism.
To learn more about shrouded cremation or to discuss whether this option is suitable for your needs, please contact our team directly.
Both use a fabric shroud instead of a coffin or casket, however with a shrouded cremation the body is cremated, whereas with a shrouded burial the body is buried into the earth while wrapped in the shroud.
Yes. NSW State Government legislative changes that were passed in July 2025 now allow approved crematoria, such as Woronora Memorial Park, to offer shrouded cremation.
Yes. In NSW, each shrouded cremation requires approval from NSW Health. However, to simplify this process, Metropolitan Memorial Parks has applied for a blanket approval.
A shroud bearer is a purpose-built wooden platform that provides dignity and stability during transport and cremation. It replaces the role of a coffin in supporting the deceased.
Yes. Families may hold a viewing, a farewell service, or other rituals before the cremation or burial. Music, readings, and cultural or religious practices can all be incorporated.
Yes. Without a coffin or casket, fewer materials are required, making it a more sustainable option.
Yes. A memorial service can be arranged either before or after the cremation, depending on the family’s wishes.
Shrouds are usually made of natural fibres such as cotton, linen, or wool, chosen for their simplicity and environmental compatibility.
