‘Water cremations’ to be supplied in UK to scale back funeral sector’s environmental influence

Co-op Funeralcare has introduced plans to supply a brand new type of burial as a sustainable different to conventional burials or cremation.

The UK’s largest funeral supplier has introduced that it’s going to introduce the observe, known as resomation – often known as water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis – later this yr.

The observe consists of the deceased being enclosed in a biodegradable pouch then positioned in a container full of pressurised water and a small quantity of potassium hydroxide.

This quickly converts tissue and cells right into a watery answer, with one cycle taking roughly 4 hours.

Soft bones stay and these are dried then decreased to a white powder, which may be returned to family in an urn.

Research means that resomation is a extra sustainable possibility because it doesn’t launch poisonous gases, air pollution or polluting fluids.

Cremating a physique results in the discharge of carbon dioxide and probably poisonous gases whereas burials can result in the danger of groundwater contamination.

The Co-op, which arranges greater than 93,000 funerals a yr, mentioned it is going to be working with sustainability specialists and academia to additional validate current analysis throughout its preliminary regional pilot.

It mentioned pilot places to be introduced later this yr with the intention to develop the service to all Co-op shoppers.

It has additionally up to date the federal government on its plans to make the method out there within the UK and mentioned that questions on new burial strategies have been raised on the Synod of Church of England earlier this yr.

The observe is rising in recognition within the US, Canada and South Africa, however burials or gasoline cremations stay the 2 choices for UK households.

Anti-apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died in 2021, is probably the most high-profile determine to decide on resomation for his personal funeral.

Its introduction within the UK will mark the primary time in additional than 120 years {that a} new different to burial or cremation might be extensively out there for funerals for the reason that introduction of the Cremation Act in 1902.

It is known that resomation just isn’t unlawful however might be topic to compliance with related well being, security and surroundings rules.

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Meanwhile, the Law Commission is presently reviewing current legal guidelines to see how they will accommodate new burial strategies.

A YouGov ballot commissioned by Co-op Funeralcare discovered that 89% of UK adults had not heard of resomation however as soon as defined, nearly a 3rd mentioned they’d select it for their very own funeral if out there.

Furthermore, almost a fifth of adults who’ve organized a funeral within the final 5 years mentioned they’d have thought of resomation for his or her liked one’s funeral had it been an possibility on the time.

Gill Stewart, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare, mentioned introducing “innovative and sustainable options” for shoppers is “an absolute priority”.

“Up until now choice has been limited to burial or cremation,” she mentioned.

“We’ve seen from the rapid uptake of newer funeral options such as direct cremation, that when choice in the funeral market is broadened, this is only a positive thing both for the bereaved and for those planning ahead for their own farewell.”