French researchers are examining human composting as a possible alternative to cremation and burial, with a French-funded project reporting tests involving two human donors as analysis continues.
The French National Research Agency (ANR) funded F-COMPOST. Its project record says researchers first tested their protocol on rats in autumn 2024, then buried eight sheep in June 2025. The sheep experiment compared remains covered with soil with those covered by shredded plant material. The record also reports tests on two human donors through a foreign partner.
France 24 reported Monday that French scientists are exploring the method. Its report cited cremation’s reliance on fossil fuels and the land used by traditional burials.
The project summary says scientific knowledge about reducing human remains is limited, citing cultural taboos, technical and health constraints, and the time required for experiments. It says analysis of the human-donor tests is ongoing and lists publication of results obtained in Australia for late 2026. A public presentation of the project’s findings is planned for spring 2027, according to the project record.
