A One-minute Insight into Funeral Trends in Different Countries

The Hong Kong Asia Funeral & Cemetery Expo & Conference (AFE), organised by Brilliant Vertical Exhibition and supported by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in May. The event attracted more than 2,500 attendees, comprising buyers, tour groups, associations and officials representing the funeral industry from 35 countries.

The AFE is held every other year to provide a forum for the global funeral industry to engage in dialogue with the East and West, promote innovative concepts in funeral services, showcase new technology products and services, and facilitate the adaptation of the industry to changing times.

This year, the AFE adopted the theme of "Reunite, Fight Back," reflected in the comprehensive and diversified range of exhibits. Of particular note were the numerous eco-coffins, digital technology funeral reforms, and other exhibits that aligned with current trends. Additionally, speakers from various countries presented their insights on the latest developments in the funeral industry.

In recent years, the New South Wales region of Australia has initiated the regulation of cemeteries, whereas other regions, such as Victoria, remain subject to relatively lenient regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, due to the scarcity of land resources, Singapore and Hong Kong are actively promoting environmentally friendly eco-burial methods, such as the scattering of cremated ashes in designated gardens or sea areas.

The advent of green burial has given rise to a new phenomenon: eco-coffins. Despite their long-standing presence in the funeral industry, these environmentally-conscious alternatives to traditional coffins remain a relatively novel concept to the general public. However, some operators maintain that eco-coffins are susceptible to external factors such as weather and temperature, as well as durability. Consequently, it remains challenging to identify establishments specialising in the sale of eco-coffins that have fully transitioned from the conventional sale of traditional coffins. It is anticipated that, should these concerns be addressed, they will exert a significant influence on the future trajectory of the coffin market.

Furthermore, China and Taiwan are proactively incorporating technological advancements to uphold the sanctity of life and develop products tailored to the funeral and cemetery industries. A digital funeral differs from virtual online worship or memorialisation. It employs the Internet, multimedia technology, and the integration of sound and light, among other elements, to combine the burial, etiquette, and cleaning aspects into a unified experience. In addition to offering a physical experience, these products also allow families to retain the ashes of the deceased. This significant impetus for reform within the funeral industry is believed to have a promising future.

Read More》

1. 【AFE Hong Kong 2024】Exploring the Funeral Industry's Journey of Transformation
2. Green Funeral Trends are on the Horizon, Can You Accept an Eco-friendly Casket?
3. The "Ultimate Guardian" of Human Remains: Understanding the International Repatriation Industry

4. How Taiwan’s Chin Pao San Cemetery Changing the Image of Funeral Culture Through the Power of Cultural Creativity?

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