Is water cremation a step closer to reality in the UK?

From the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD):

The introduction of resomation – a water cremation – into the UK could be a step nearer after extensive testing took place which could clear a path to its widespread use.

While not against the law, ethical concerns have previously been raised about the practice concerning the liquid from bodies in the resomator machine going into the sewers. However, the company planning to introduce the practice here, Leeds-based Resomation Ltd, is confident the results of a recent study will dispel any fears about any environmental concerns.

“We have absolutely no doubt it is safe and there is no danger to the public, but we understand that it is something new and, therefore, something people have to adapt to and think about,” said Howard Pickard, Resomation Ltd’s Managing Director. “But the public want more environmentally-friendly methods of disposing of a body and this certainly meets that need. There has been a tremendous growth of natural burial areas, and resomation is another step in the direction of environmentally-friendly disposal.”

Resomation works by immersing the body in a gentle solution of 95% water and 5% alkaline and heated to 160 degrees Centigrade in a pressure environment, which prevents boiling. After around four hours, what is left is ash from the calcium phosphate of bones and a bio-fluid which is disposed of. The liquid does not have any trace of DNA.

To read the full Funeral Director Monthly article, click here.