Aquamations, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, resomations, or water cremations, are set to be introduced in Britain by Co-op Funeralcare later this year. This innovative process involves rapidly decomposing a body using water and alkaline chemicals, leaving behind only liquid and bones. It presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials and cremations, which consume significant fuel and emit greenhouse gases.
So, what exactly is a water cremation, and what happens to the human body during this process? Here is a step-by-step guide to water cremations:
1. The body is placed into a stainless steel vessel.
2. An alkaline solution is added based on individual characteristics such as weight, sex, and embalming status, and the vessel is then filled with water.
3. The solution, consisting of 95% water and 5% alkali, is heated to between 200 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit and gently circulated.
4. During the process, all organic material breaks down into its smallest building blocks, leaving no DNA or RNA.
5. The remaining sterile process water is released for recycling, and the vessel is rinsed with fresh water.
When the process is complete, only the inorganic bone minerals remain, which are then ground into powder and returned to the family in an urn. This final step of processing the bones into powder is similar to the procedure followed in flame cremation.
Water cremations are considered better for the environment. According to the Atlantic, aquamation has only about one-tenth the environmental impact of flame cremation, which requires significant fuel. Traditional cremation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Burial, another traditional option, often involves metal or plastic vessels that take years to decompose and can negatively impact the soil.
The cost of aquamation is anticipated to be comparable to that of traditional cremation. Funeral Guide states that an eco-friendly cremation will likely be priced similarly to a flame cremation, with costs varying across crematoria in the UK and typically included in the total funeral bill.
Interest in water cremations in Britain increased after Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose the eco-friendly process for his remains following his death on Boxing Day in 2021. The Dean of St George’s Cathedral described Archbishop Tutu as an ‘eco-warrior’ who aspired to this method.
The Co-op, Britain’s largest funeral provider, arranging over 93,000 funerals annually, plans to collaborate with sustainability experts to validate existing research during its initial regional pilot later this year. This will mark the first introduction of an alternative to burial or cremation since the Cremation Act of 1902.
A poll conducted by Co-op Funeralcare found that 89% of adults had not heard of resomation, but once explained, one-third expressed a preference for it as their funeral choice. Professor Douglas Davies, a death rites expert at Durham University, noted that the reduced carbon footprint of resomation would appeal to many people.
The introduction of aquamation to Britain represents a significant shift towards more sustainable end-of-life options, reflecting growing awareness and concern for environmental impact. As more people become informed about this eco-friendly alternative, it is likely to gain popularity and acceptance as a preferred method for honoring the deceased.