Direct cremation now accounts for 19% of all cremations

Direct cremation has seen a surge in popularity over the last year, according to Sun Life’s Cost of Dying Report 2021. 

It is now believed that this option where there is no ceremony or mourners present at the crematorium, accounts for 19% of all cremations that take place. 

Funeral directors Pure Cremation has accredited changing attitudes towards death and the pandemic as the reason for this rise in demand.

The company has also said that cost has played a “major part” as money worries continue to be an issue – with the report finding “one in seven families stating that they suffered financial hardship as a result of paying for a funeral”. 

Catherine Powell, co-founder and director of Pure Cremation said: “This report confirms that the tide is turning. “We’ve seen direct cremation becoming more widely accepted with increased demand for direct cremation from our own clients and growing demand from other funeral directors who use our trade service.

“Change has been a long time coming, but the Sun Life Cost of Dying Report clearly shows that direct cremation is here to stay and will become a more significant part of the funeral landscape as people see its many benefits.”

She added: “For years, our customers have been telling us that they are looking for more modern, flexible and personal arrangements with the cost saving being a welcome bonus.  This report endorses this.”