773,000 is the number of deaths expected by 2049 in France compared to 610,000 in 2018 (source: INSEE). A significant increase that shows that the funeral market has a bright future ahead of it. But it is still difficult for specialized companies to promote and communicate post-mortem services without shocking public opinion at a time when death remains one of the last major taboos in France. However, we can see that the funeral sector is changing, evolving and gradually tending to modernize and innovate. Between the boom in e-funeral, technological innovation and many others, let's look at the "new trends" in funeral marketing. E-funeral, the new “fashion” Like our lifestyles, the funeral sector in the broad sense of the term is changing. And the biggest change it is experiencing is the rise of e-funeral.
The very conservative market is thus opening up to the digital world. Tombstones and coffins on demand Digital technology is now an integral part of our daily lives and funeral directors have also launched an online conquest of the web by offering their services online. There are now virtual stores that offer a large number of tombs, urns, very classic or more modern tombstones, the flagship product of the moment is the transparent plexiglass plaque . As in a physical store, the models of the items can be personalized in a few clicks: photos, texts, patterns, material, padding, identity plate, etc. The “funeral kitty” Based on the principle of crowdfunding, online funeral fundraisers are hugely successful. Since the cost of funerals is high (€4,500 on average), many families use this fast and secure service. It is also a practical way to collect donations from loved ones who wish to pay their last respects to the deceased (for the purchase of a plaque or flowers) or financially support the family.
Online commemoration Like a virtual tombstone, it is now possible to celebrate a deceased person and to mourn online. These online memorial sites are websites, like sharing spaces, on which family, friends austria phone number data and loved ones who have access can post content (photographs, videos, texts, etc.). Access can be limited to certain people or open to all via privacy settings. Some of these services even give the possibility to light virtual candles or create life journals. The QR Code of tombstones Although they are not yet close to dethroning mortuary plaques, QR Codes are gradually making their place in the funeral world. Once scanned, these barcodes allow access to an online memorial site that contains a sort of biography of the deceased in the form of videos, photos or texts.
The principle is simple: customers must purchase the medallion with the barcode and the online space from a specialized company, then write and publish what they want. Post-mortem innovation The mortuary market is changing and is no longer as conservative as before: 39% of cremations in 2020 compared to 10% in 1994, decline in religious ceremonies and great enthusiasm for secular ceremonies, etc. Professionals in the funeral sector must therefore evolve and offer new services that are more in tune with the times.
Cardboard coffins Ecology is at the center of discussions and concerns today. So, to be respectful of the environment until death, it is possible to choose a cardboard coffin. More ecological and economical (on average 2 times cheaper than a classic coffin), they are used for burials as well as cremations. They are made from recycled cardboard, assembled by folding and glued with potato and corn starch glues. Like classic coffins, they can be personalized: drawing, pattern or text can be added or handwritten directly on the cardboard. They are much lighter, but just as strong as a wooden coffin (capacity of 90 to 200 kg). Dispersion of ashes by drone The idea is unique in France: since 2019, a funeral company has been offering the scattering of ashes by drone in the bay of Mont Saint-Michel.