As Scotland becomes the first place in the UK to legalise alkaline hydrolysis, also known as ‘water cremation’, we take a look at what it is, how it works, and when it will be available.
What is Water Cremation?
Water cremation, or to give it its correct technical and scientific term ‘alkaline hydrolysis’, is a process which speeds up the natural decomposition of a body using a solution of water and alkali, in the presence of heat.
The body is placed in a sealed chamber and then gently dissolved under pressure in a heated mixture of 95% water and a 5% potassium hydroxide solution.
Alkaline hydrolysis has been available in a number of countries for some time, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland and South Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu famously chose water cremation for his funeral in January 2022.
How is the Body Prepared for Water Cremation?
The person who has died is wrapped in a shroud made of natural materials, such as wool, silk or other biodegradable materials. Whilst some families may also wish to have a coffin, the body will be removed from this before it is placed into the chamber.
How Long Does Water Cremation Take?
The hydrolysis itself takes about 90 minutes, but the whole process takes around 3-4 hours. This process is the same as natural decomposition, but faster.
What is Left After a Water Cremation?
Following alkaline hydrolysis, the water-like liquid is drained, treated, and can then be safely discharged into the water treatment network. This liquid is sterile and DNA free.
The soft bone remains that are left are dried and processed to a fine white powder using a cremulator, as happens after a traditional cremation. These powder remains are then returned to the families in an urn or casket chosen by them.
What To Do With the ‘Ashes’ After Water Cremation?
As with flame cremation ashes, the powder remains can be scattered, buried, or kept in remembrance. There is about a 30% larger volume of remains than with traditional cremation.
What Happens to Implants and Other Devices?
Any materials that don’t dissolve (such as fillings and medical devices) can be collected for reuse or recycling as appropriate. Unlike traditional cremation, devices like pacemakers don’t need to be removed before hydrolysis.
How Much Will Water Cremation Cost?
It is expected that alkaline hydrolysis will cost around the same as flame cremation. The price will be set by future operators of the system, so may vary from place to place.
When Will the First Water Cremations Take Place in Scotland?
Now that hydrolysis regulations are in place in Scotland, the first facilities will need to be developed. To do this, planning permission and consent to discharge from Scottish Water will be required. Also, approval from the Inspector of burial, cremation and funeral directors will need to be sought.
Resomation Ltd, the sole UK manufacturer of hydrolysis systems, is represented by Kindly Earth, whose purpose is to advocate for and increase awareness of water cremation both within the funeral sector and amongst the general public.
whiteballoon spoke to Helen Chandler at Kindly Earth who said how very encouraged they are that Scotland is leading the way in the UK in adopting this proven technology, giving the people of Scotland greater choice around funeral options. It is anticipated that the first hydrolysis services will take place by the end of this year.
What Are the Benefits of Water Cremation?
Choice is an important factor. Around 80% of people in the UK have a flame cremation and the rest have a burial, so the introduction of alkaline hydrolysis provides people with another alternative to these.
Environmental impact was also a driving force behind the development of this technology. Research has suggested that water cremation may have a lower carbon impact than flame cremation, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
What Funeral Arrangements Can Be Made Alongside a Water Cremation?
It is anticipated that alkaline hydrolysis will be available through crematoria and funeral directors. Funeral arrangements can be made in exactly the same way as a traditional cremation or a burial.
When Will Water Cremation Be Available Throughout the UK?
The rest of the UK does not yet have the legislation in place to allow alkaline hydrolysis. Helen at Kindly Earth told us that they look forward to the publication of the Law Commission’s draft Bill and final report on New Funerary Methods, which is due soon, but as yet the timescale for regulation of hydrolysis in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is not defined.
More About Resomation and Kindly Earth
Scottish biochemist Sandy Sullivan established Resomation Ltd in 2007 in order to develop an environmentally friendly alternative funeral method. Resomation became a part of LBBC in 2016. LBBC manufacture the Resomation equipment.
Kindly Earth was founded by Julian Atkinson (former owner of coffin maker JC Atkinson) and Howard Pickard (Chairman of LBBC). As well as raising awareness of water cremation within the funeral sector in the UK, they are also supporting early adopters of Resomation equipment and funeral directors wishing to offer alkaline hydrolysis to their clients.