The funeral industry in Western Europe is on the cusp of significant transformation. Multiple forces are converging to reshape how death is commemorated and managed. This white paper provides an analysis of why and how the funeral industry will change over the next two decades. The goal is to equip funeral industry professionals with a strategic understanding of upcoming changes, enabling them to adapt business models, services, and practices.

Today’s funeral professionals operate in a context of rapid societal change. An aging population means the absolute number of deaths will rise in the near term, yet at the same time, how people approach funerals is becoming increasingly diverse. Traditional religious funerals are declining, eco-friendly alternatives are emerging, and digital technology is altering everything from memorialisation to the administration of funerals. Meanwhile, governments and regulators are responding to urban overcrowding and environmental concerns with new policies that will directly impact funeral operations. 

We will discuss the five major drivers of change affecting the funeral sector: (1) Demographics, (2) Social Behaviours and Values, (3) Technology, (4) Sustainability, and (5) Legislation. Each driver is explored with current data and trends, illustrating why it is pertinent to the funeral industry. Next, we present forecast scenarios for the industry in 2035 and 2045, translating the drivers into concrete projections. Lastly, we conclude with strategic implications for funeral professionals across Western Europe. 

By examining both the “why” (the driving forces) and the “how” (the likely outcomes), this white paper aims to serve as a strategic guide for funeral industry stakeholders as they navigate the upcoming changes in the funeral industry.

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