Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

legendURN and Corporate Social Responsibility

Since 2007, legendURN has used e-commerce to help families find an urn, memorial jewellery item or other tangible remembrance product in a calm, clear and personal way. Through our broad collection, detailed product information and options for custom-made solutions, we try to support customers in making a choice that feels right.

When we started in 2007, we were among the early online urn specialists in Europe. Today, we continue to improve the way we work, including our service, product information, material choices, packaging, logistics and approach to responsible business.

We are a committed team with an international background and many years of experience in the funeral and memorial sector. We understand that farewell, remembrance and rituals can differ from family to family and from culture to culture. That is why we believe it is important to inform customers carefully, honestly and respectfully.

Our ambition

We want to keep improving every day. This means looking critically at our product range, workplace, packaging, shipping, returns, suppliers, product information and the way we guide customers through their choice.

Our workplace in Lemmer has an A+++ energy label and is equipped with solar panels, LED lighting and light sensors. We generate an important part of our own energy. At the same time, we remain precise in how we describe this: when the solar panels do not produce enough electricity, for example in the evening or during periods of low yield, we also use the electricity grid.

An urn or memorial product is not an everyday purchase. The product must be suitable for its intended use, arrive safely, match the chosen place of remembrance and respect the meaning behind the memory. Clear information in advance helps customers make a more conscious choice and can prevent unnecessary returns, extra transport and waste.

Logistics, packaging and environment

Together with our carriers, we aim to deliver orders as efficiently and carefully as possible. Because urns, memorial jewellery and other remembrance products are often fragile, safe packaging remains essential. Damage can lead to disappointment, replacement shipments and unnecessary waste.

We therefore look for a balance between good protection and avoiding unnecessary packaging material. Where possible, we reuse boxes and packaging materials from suppliers. Only when these materials are not suitable or not available do we use new or recycled packaging materials.

Packaging with care

We pack orders as closely as possible to what the product requires. Some items can be packed compactly and simply. Other products, such as ceramic urns, glass urns, natural stone urns or handmade memorial items, need extra protection to reduce the risk of breakage during transport.

When it is safe to do so, we avoid filler material. When extra protection is necessary, we choose packaging that protects the product as well as possible while keeping material use reasonable.

Delivery and pickup options

We work with carriers and, where available, pickup options to deliver parcels efficiently. A pickup point can help prevent multiple delivery attempts when the recipient is not at home.

When choosing delivery partners, we consider reliability, careful handling and the steps carriers take to make their logistics more efficient. The actual environmental impact of transport depends on factors such as route planning, parcel volume, vehicle type and the number of delivery attempts.

Reducing avoidable returns

We try to reduce avoidable returns through clear product information, good photography, dimensions, capacity information and personal final checks. Because many of our products are handmade, small differences in colour, shape or finish may occur.

When a handmade product clearly differs from the product image or expected appearance, we may contact the customer or provide additional information before shipping. This helps the customer decide whether the product is suitable before it is sent.

Our workplace in Lemmer

Our workplace at Roggemole in Lemmer was built in 2018 according to modern building standards and has an A+++ energy label. The building is equipped with solar panels, LED lighting and light sensors.

With the solar panels, we generate an important part of our own energy. We describe this deliberately and carefully: the building does not run entirely on solar energy at every moment, because there are also times when the solar panels produce little or no electricity. However, the installation helps us significantly reduce the amount of electricity we need from the grid.

In our daily work, we also try to reduce unnecessary energy and material use. Equipment is switched off where possible when it is not needed. Meetings with colleagues and suppliers take place digitally whenever this is practical, helping to limit unnecessary travel.

Waste separation

We separate waste streams as carefully as possible. This includes:

• paper and cardboard;
• glass;
• plastic;
• batteries;
• PET bottles;
• organic waste where applicable.

Computers, systems and hosting

When using our equipment, we pay attention to energy consumption. At the end of the working day, equipment is switched off or disconnected where possible. When choosing hosting and data centre partners, we also look at reliability, continuity and conscious energy use.

Less printing

We print as little as possible. Labels and some manuals may still be needed physically, but most manuals and additional information are made available digitally or sent by email.

Packing slips, invoices and many administrative documents are processed digitally. This helps reduce paper use and allows us to share information faster and more carefully.

Remote work and digital collaboration

Part of our team works remotely. This reduces commuting and supports efficient collaboration. We have been using digital meetings for a long time, including with suppliers when a physical meeting is not necessary.

Personal attention remains important. Customers can still contact us for advice about urns, memorial jewellery, custom-made products, material choices or the right urn capacity.

Store and product range

Within our broad product range, we believe it is important that customers can make well-informed choices. This applies not only to shape, colour and price, but also to material, intended use, maintenance, lifespan and whether an urn is suitable for indoors, outdoors, burial, water, scattering or a columbarium.

We like to work with artists, workshops and suppliers who value quality, care and craftsmanship. Where possible, we prefer partners closer to home or within Europe. This is not possible for every product, but it remains an important consideration when building and developing our assortment.

Conscious material choices

A conscious choice does not depend on the material alone, but also on the intended use. An urn for keeping at home requires different properties than an urn for outdoor placement, burial, a columbarium, water ceremony or natural setting.

Biodegradable urns and natural memorials

We also offer biodegradable urns. These urns can be a meaningful choice for families looking for a natural ash destination, for example burial in the earth or certain water ceremonies.

The Bios tree urn is one natural memorial option in which ashes are connected with the symbolism of new life, such as a tree, shrub or plant. The meaning lies not only in the material, but also in the ritual, the chosen place and the symbolism of growth and remembrance.

We deliberately avoid broad promises that every biodegradable urn is automatically “100% environmentally friendly” in every situation. Decomposition time and suitability depend on material, soil, moisture, temperature, placement and intended use. Always check the product information and ask for advice if you are unsure.

What customers can do when making a conscious choice

Customers can also contribute to a more conscious choice. This is not about always choosing the same material, but about looking carefully at intended use, lifespan, maintenance and personal meaning.

• Choose an urn that suits the place: indoors, outdoors, columbarium, burial, water or earth.
• Check capacity, dimensions and material before ordering.
• Ask for advice if you are unsure between materials or uses.
• Choose a product that truly feels suitable, so returns can be avoided where possible.
• Consider biodegradable options if you are planning a natural ash destination.
• Read maintenance information for materials such as stainless steel, bronze, wood and natural stone.

Our points for improvement

Corporate Social Responsibility is not a finished project. We continue to look for ways to improve, including better product information, less packaging material, smarter stock management, clearer material information, responsible supplier choices and further digitalisation.

We also want to make sustainability information at product level more concrete. Not every product can carry the same claim. That is why it is important to explain honestly, per material and per intended use, what is and is not possible.

Frequently asked questions about CSR at legendURN

Is every urn sustainable?

No, not every urn is sustainable in the same way. Sustainability depends on material, production, lifespan, intended use, maintenance and transport. We therefore try to make clear what each product is suitable for.

Are biodegradable urns always the best choice?

Not always. A biodegradable urn can be very suitable for earth, water or another natural ash destination. For long-term placement at home, outdoors or in a columbarium, another material may be more appropriate.

What is a Bios tree urn?

A Bios tree urn is an urn in which ashes are connected with the symbolism of new life, for example through a tree, shrub or plant. Practical use and suitability depend on the chosen place, soil, moisture, temperature and how the urn is used.

Why does legendURN sometimes use extra packaging material?

Many urns and memorial products are fragile. Extra protection may be needed to prevent damage and unnecessary returns. Where possible, we use suitable boxes, reused packaging material and as little filler material as possible.

How does legendURN try to reduce returns?

Through clear product information, photographs, dimensions, capacity guidance, advice and personal checks. Handmade products may show small differences. Good information in advance helps prevent disappointment, damage and unnecessary shipping.

Does legendURN work completely paperless?

We work digitally wherever possible, but not completely paperless. Labels and some manuals may still be necessary. Invoices, packing slips and much additional information are processed or sent digitally.

Can I ask for advice about a conscious product choice?

Yes. If you are unsure about material, urn capacity, outdoor placement, biodegradable urns or maintenance, please contact us. We are happy to think along with you.

We are here to help

Responsible choices start with clear and honest information. Do you have questions about materials, origin, maintenance, biodegradable urns, packaging or the most suitable destination for a memorial urn? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you make a choice that suits your wishes, values and the place of remembrance.

You can reach us by phone at +44 808 169 4319 or by email at [email protected]. We usually respond within 24 hours.