Flame cremation
Carbon-neutral, dignified, and affordable.
Flame Cremation
This is what most people picture when they think of cremation. Intense heat (1,400-2,000°F) reduces the body to bone fragments over 1-3 hours, which is processed into the ash returned to families.
Skips embalming fluids that can leach into soil and groundwater.
No permanent cemetery plots needed.
Uses minimal materials compared to caskets, and burial infrastructure.
ashes returned
Why choose flame cremation?
Cremation is more affordable than traditional burial, and uses less energy and land space, and offers more flexibility when planning a memorial.
- Most affordable
- Flexible timing
- Widely available
Our promise to you
Carbon-neutral cremation
While cremation is already more eco-friendly than burial, we go further. We purchase carbon offsets for every cremation we perform, balancing out the emissions from the process.
It’s our commitment to honoring both your loved one and the planet.
Everything handled
We coordinate respectful transportation in California.
Cremains are returned in a beautiful urn to family.
Death certificates, permits and filing handled for you.
Interactive, digital tribute; share stories and photos.
We offset cremation’s impact through climate action.
We provide resources to help you navigate after-loss.
Cremation types
Compare cremation options
Flame Cremation
Uses heat and flame to reduce the body to ash.
- No toxic chemicals
- No burial plot needed
- Fewer resources than burial
Aquamation
Uses water and alkali to reduce the body to ash.
- 90% less energy than flame
- Zero emissions
- No toxic byproducts
Natural Organic Reduction
Uses natural microbes to reduce the body to soil.
- Creates nutrient-rich soil
- Minimal energy use
- Ultra-low emissions
We're here whenever you're ready
One conversation is all it takes to move from overwhelmed to having a plan. Our care team is available 24/7.
Talk to a Guide, 24/7
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Explore at your own pace
See the two ways families honor a life.
Questions?
We're here to help.
What is flame cremation?
Flame cremation uses heat and flame to reduce the body to ash. It is the most affordable of the three carbon-neutral cremation options offered at Better Place—and like every cremation we provide, it is always carbon-neutral.
How does flame cremation work?
Flame cremation uses high heat (1,400-2,000°F) to reduce the body to bone fragments over 1-3 hours. These fragments are processed into ash and returned to families.
How long does flame cremation take?
The flame cremation process itself takes 1–3 hours. Families can expect to receive their loved one’s ashes within 3–7 days.
Is flame cremation the same as direct cremation?
Not quite—they describe different things. Flame cremation refers to the cremation method itself: using heat and flame to gently reduce the body to ashes. Direct cremation refers to the level of service: a simple, dignified cremation without a funeral service beforehand. At Better Place, all flame cremation is complete carbon-neutral cremation— everything you need and nothing you don’t. View pricing
Is flame cremation more affordable than burial?
Yes. Flame cremation is significantly more affordable than traditional burial, which can carry costs for a casket, plot, vault, and ongoing maintenance. Flame cremation with Better Place includes dignified, professional care—at a fraction of the cost, and always carbon-neutral. View pricing
Can you have a funeral or memorial service with flame cremation?
Yes—and with Better Place, a memorial can be something truly meaningful. When you choose a living memorial, ashes can be returned to nature in a protected Memorial Forest, either at a private Memorial Tree or in a shared Spreading Grove. You also have the option to hold a Natural Memorial Ceremony, where family and friends can gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.
Talk to a Guide to inquire about arranging other services like a funeral, viewing or visitation.
What is returned after flame cremation?
Ashes are returned in an urn, ready to be kept, or spread at a living memorial until spread—either in a shared Spreading Grove or at a private Memorial Tree in a protected Memorial Forest.
Is flame cremation environmentally friendly?
Traditional burial carries an environmental footprint that’s easy to overlook. Cremation can reduce that impact. Carbon-neutral cremation goes further.
Significant Impact
Traditional Burial
- Land use and maintenance
- Concrete vault required
- Highly toxic embalming chemicals
- Non-biodegradable materials
Reduced Impact
Standard Cremation
- No land use
- Emissions produced during process
- No toxic embalming chemicals
- Smaller overall carbon footprint
Zero Net Impact
Carbon-Neutral Cremation
- No land use
- No toxic embalming chemicals
- Emissions measured and fully offset
- Most responsible, eco-friendly choice
Do you need embalming for flame cremation?
No. You do not need to be embalmed before cremation, making its process more environmentally friendly.
How much does flame cremation cost?
Flame cremation is significantly more affordable than traditional burial, which can carry costs for a casket, plot, vault, and ongoing maintenance. Flame cremation with Better Place includes dignified, professional care—at a fraction of the cost, and always carbon-neutral. View pricing
