Founded in Maine and built for broad impact, Wend & Root is developing next-generation Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) technology to make human composting widely accessible, environmentally responsible, and grounded in dignity and care.

Climate-Safe Human Composting,
Built for the Future

Learn more
A dirt trail winding through a dense forest of tall pine trees with sunlight filtering through the branches.

What We’re Building

Wend & Root is developing next-generation human composting technology — also known as Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) — designed to provide families and communities with a safer, more sustainable, and deeply respectful alternative to cremation and conventional burial.

Our systems are being engineered to be closed-loop, environmentally responsible, scientifically grounded, and designed with dignity at the center of every step. Rooted in innovation and mindful care, Wend & Root is working to help shape a future of deathcare that is as thoughtful and compassionate as the lives it honors.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Closed-loop system design to manage emissions responsibly and protect air quality

  • Research-driven development grounded in established composting science and ongoing engineering collaboration

  • Safety, reliability, and transparency as core design principles

  • Compassion-centered design that prioritizes dignity, respect, and meaningful support for families

  • Innovation rooted in Maine while building solutions intended to benefit communities everywhere

Why This Matters

Traditional end-of-life methods come with growing environmental and community impacts. Cremation contributes significant greenhouse gas emissions and harmful pollutants. Conventional burial relies on resource-intensive materials and embalming chemicals that ultimately return to the earth.

Families deserve options that reflect their values, their love, and their care for the planet.

By developing closed-loop NOR systems with thoughtful engineering and emissions considerations, Wend & Root is working to create funeral technology that supports:

  • Cleaner air

  • Reduced environmental burden

  • Healthier soil outcomes

  • Meaningful remembrance grounded in renewal

This work is about more than technology. It is about dignity, climate responsibility, and redefining what it means to return to the earth.

Close-up of a pine branch with green needles and brown pine cones on a dark background.

Where We Are Now

Wend & Root is currently in active development, partnering with experts in engineering, materials science, environmental health, and funeral practice to design a safe, effective, and scientifically validated prototype system.

We are moving deliberately and thoughtfully, with a commitment to:

  • rigorous testing

  • environmental responsibility

  • respect for families and communities

  • transparency in development

As our work progresses, our aim is to make climate-responsible human composting systems available widely.

Connect With Us

We welcome conversations with funeral partners, researchers, investors, journalists, and community members interested in climate-responsible deathcare.

Get In Touch