Resomation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is a  water-based alternative to traditional flame cremation and burial which offers a number environmental benefits including:

• A smaller carbon footprint
• Significantly less energy required in the form of electricity and gas
• No a harmful emissions to air
• The sterile liquid effluent is safely returned to the water cycle free from any traces of DNA

People choosing Resomation can still have a traditional funeral ceremony in the same way they would before a cremation. The only difference comes at the point after the coffin is taken from view, when the deceased is transported to the Resomation Centre, prepared for Resomation and then placed in a water chamber instead of a flame cremator.

Resomation also gives the freedom to create a less traditional event or gathering of family and friends which reflects the life and wishes of the person who has died, at a time and location of your choosing.

Just like flame cremation, the remains consist of bone ash. . The  remains from Resomation are pure white powder.

The remains are placed in a casket or urn and returned to the family, for keeping as a remembrance, or for burial or scattering.

The price will be determined by the equipment operator (Resomation Ltd does not operate the equipment but supplies it to industry operators). As with flame cremation this will vary from country to country and will depend upon how widely the process is adopted. So far pricing is very similar to that of cremation.

The process needs to be legal in each country before it can take place.

In England and Wales, the Law Commission are currently considering what a legal framework for New Funerary Methods (including alkaline hydrolysis) would look like. Recommendations are due in spring of 2026. In Scotland, the Government have already conducted a Consultation on alkaline hydrolysis with the aim of developing regulation.

In the US and Canada the process is already regulated in 27 states and several provinces and is in the process of being considered in many others.

In Ireland Elizabeth Oakes, at Pure Reflections in County Meath is open and offering Resomation for the first time in Europe. The Resomation process is gaining momentum across the globe including Netherlands where a Resomation facility is ready, Europe and Australia. For further information on water cremation across the globe click here

For those of you who feel strongly committed to Resomation we would encourage you to contact the relevant authorities in your region to apply pressure to make it an available choice.

The water in the chamber is gently heated to 150c. Due to the pressure used in the Resomator, the water does not boil.