What is resomation?
What is Resomation? Also known as alkaline hydrolysis, Resomation is a liquid cremation process which speeds up the way our bodies return to nature when they are buried.
What are the disadvantages of resomation?
Unavailable: Perhaps the biggest drawback of all when it comes to resomation, especially in the UK, is that it’s not currently available. Companies such as Resomation Ltd are trying to help raise awareness of this option and bring it into the mainstream in the UK funeral industry.
What is resomation and is it the same as cremation?
In short, resomation – officially alkaline hydrolysis – is the same as cremation, except water is used in place of fire. It used a water-based solution to speed up the natural processes the body undergoes after death.
Is water cremation available in the UK?
Water cremation, or Alkaline Hydrolysis as it is also known, is available in some parts of the USA and Canada. Contact your local funeral provider to find out more or email [email protected]. In the UK, progress continues to be made to introduce water cremation as a safe, natural and environmentally sustainable end of life option.
Is resomation available in the UK?
Resomation is the UK's only manufacturer of water cremators, supplying the funeral industry in America, and working with funeral partners around the world to introduce this new end of life option. Developing the technology and science for over a decade, Resomation is a trusted partner to organisations across the world.
Is aquamation available in Britain?
Aquamation is considered to be a more energy efficient than traditional cremation but is not currently available in the UK.
How much does resomation cost UK?
Standard cremation fees are less expensive than burial plots, with an average cost of £776 across the UK (range £400 - 1070 depending on venue), in 2020/21.
Is resomation the same as aquamation?
Alkaline hydrolysis (also called biocremation, resomation, flameless cremation, aquamation or water cremation) is a process for the disposal of human and pet remains using lye and heat, and is an alternative to burial or cremation.
What happens to the water after aquamation?
What happens to the water in the Aquamation process? The water is returned to the ecosystem via the normal wastewater treatment facility, just as all funeral homes in the United States, Canada, and many other parts of the world do during the embalming process.
Is aquamation cheaper than cremation?
Aquamation Is More Expensive Than Cremation Because funeral homes are a business, they have to charge enough to pay for the equipment they use.
What is the cheapest way to have a funeral UK?
The cheapest option for a funeral: direct cremation A direct cremation also offers greater financial control and flexibility over how you say goodbye, as opposed to the familiar formula offered by most local funeral homes.
What is the cheapest way to be cremated in the UK?
direct cremationWhat is the cheapest way to be cremated in the UK? The cheapest way to be cremated is to have a direct cremation, also known as 'cremation without ceremony' or 'unattended cremation'. A direct cremation is the cheapest cremation because there's no funeral service or ceremony before the cremation.
Can you be forced to pay for a funeral UK?
No, as a child of the deceased, legally you have no obligation to hold a funeral and there's no law that states you have to pay for a ceremony. So, who legally has to pay for a funeral? In most circumstances' costs are covered by the deceased estate.
How much is aquamation in the UK?
Nowhere in Britain offers aquamation services just yet, but one mortician is currently setting up a centre in Ireland. The end-of-life solution costs around £600 – about the same as a cremation.
What happens to the bones after aqua cremation?
About aqua cremation At the end of the process, the deceased's bones remain. The rest of the body's biological material, which dissolves in the water, can be returned to the ecosystem.
How is a person Aquamated?
With aquamation, or “alkaline hydrolysis”, the body of the deceased is immersed for three to four hours in a mixture of water and a strong alkali, such as potassium hydroxide, in a pressurised metal cylinder and heated to around 150C.
Where is aquamation legal in UK?
It's not yet available in the UK, but that may change There are no laws against water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis in the UK. However, the process needs very specific facilities which cost over £300,000 to install. UK councils and cremation services have yet to purchase any.
What is the cost of aquamation in UK?
The end-of-life solution costs around £600 – about the same as a cremation.
How much does an aquamation machine cost?
Alkaline hydrolysis equipment is expensive; it may cost a provider between $150,000 and $400,000 to purchase an AH unit, depending on the size of the machine as well as the temperature and pressure at which the system can operate.
What happens during aquamation?
The aquamation process uses heated alkaline water under pressure to decompose a body into a skeletal form in under 12 hours. In a grave where the soil is generally alkaline this same process can take up to 20 years.
Does resomation save space?
Saves Space: It may seem like a strange thing to think about, but resomation – along with cremation – saves space. These days, there are becoming fewer and fewer spaces available in burial grounds, and as such, both cremation and resomation allow the body to be disposed of without taking up this valuable space.
Is resomation available in the UK?
Unavailable: Perhaps the biggest drawback of all when it comes to resomation, especially in the UK, is that it’s not currently available. Companies such as Resomation Ltd are trying to help raise awareness of this option and bring it into the mainstream in the UK funeral industry. A crematorium in Rowley Regis was given planning permission to offer this service in 2017, but the local water utility rejected the application because there is currently no industry standard to regulate the disposal of the green-brown liquid mentioned above that remains after the process.
Is resomation expensive?
Expensive: As with most new technology, until it finds mainstream usage, resomation is likely to be a very expensive option when it does become available in the UK. However, the costs of the process are similar to that of cremation, which should mean the differences in cost will be negligible once it is widely available.
Is resomation natural or artificial?
More Natural: The process of resomation is simply an acceleration of the natural decay that the body would undergo over a much longer period of time were it left to do so naturally. Some people may, therefore, see it as a less ‘harsh’ option when compared to fire cremation, and one which is more respectful of the deceased.
Is resomation the same as cremation?
In short, resomation – officially alkaline hydrolysis – is the same as cremation, except water is used in place of fire. It used a water-based solution to speed up the natural processes the body undergoes after death.
Is resomation a green funeral?
While the process of resomation isn’t currently widely regarded as an aspect of a green funeral, it is inherently more environmentally friendly than a cremation, which is why we have chosen to include it in this series.
Where is water cremation available?
Water cremation is currently available in almost half of the States in America and some Canadian provinces. In the UK, interest continues to grow and around the world in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia the process is expected to be made available in the near future.
Who makes water cremators?
Resomation is the UK’s only manufacturer of water cremators, supplying the funeral industry in America, and working with funeral partners around the world to introduce this new end of life option. Developing the technology and science for over a decade, Resomation is a trusted partner to organisations across the world.
What is natural water cremation?
Natural water cremation is a new funeral choice that uses water instead of flame to gently return the body to ashes at the end of life. Resomation, known as natural water cremation, is the sustainable end of life choice that through a natural process gently returns the body to ashes.
Is cremation a sustainable option?
Space for burial is declining across the globe and alternatives such as flame cremation continue to pollute the atmosphere with CO2 and harmful mercury emissions. For the first time in 100 years, there is a new environmentally sustainable end of life option for people wanting to be cremated.
Where is the body placed in a cremation?
The body is first placed in a coffin or shroud made from biodegradable materials before being carefully placed in the water cremator, where over a short amount of time the body returns to its basic organic elements.
Is water cremation sustainable?
The funeral industry continues to evolve and modernise as people are looking for more environmentally sustainable choices at the end of life. Water cremation is the next phase in this evolution and can help funeral partners offer something unique to people and families as they make their funeral arrangements.
What is the ash from resomation?
Just like flame cremation the remains consist of bone ash. These are placed in an urn and returned to the loved ones. The ash from Resomation is pure white.
Is resomation a work in progress?
Elsewhere across the globe this is a work in progress. 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.
Is resomation the same as cremation?
A funeral involving Resomation is exactly the same as cremation until the point at which the coffin is committed from view. Following committal the body is transferred to a place where the Resomation can take place. This may be a funeral home or at a crematorium where Resomation facilities are available.
Is a resomation tank the same as cremation?
Superficially, the resomation process is incredibly similar to modern cremation. In fact, up until the body is committed and passes from view, a resomation service would be no different from that of a normal cremation service. This means that many current crematoria will be able to install a stainless steel resomation tank alongside their existing cremation technology, meaning that they could become dual function in the future.
Is cremation legal in Scotland?
As a new technology, the precise legal foundations surrounding the practice are yet to be fully defined and solidified. The UK is yet to legislate specifically on the matter. However, in Scotland, the Cremation and Burial Act 2016 has provided a clear platform for the introduction of resomation technology and it is worth noting that in England there seems to be no legal opposition to its implementation as long as it complies with all existing building and environmental regulations.
What is the alternative to water cremation?
Also known as water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis is an alternative form of cremation that does not involve flames.
What is the chemical used in cremation?
Liquid cremation uses hot water with the addition of a chemical called potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide (also known as lye, or caustic soda – both used to make soap), or a mix of both. These dissolve fats and tissues into liquid. At a bio-cremation, the person’s body (but not their coffin) is placed into a stainless steel cremation chamber ...
Is alkaline hydrolysis legal in the UK?
Under UK law, water cremation is legal, subject to compliance with health, safety and environmental regulation. Plans for the UK’s first Resomation facility in the Midlands are currently being looked into.
How much will a water cremation cost?
These costs can vary at crematoria around the UK – and the fee is usually included as part of the total funeral bill.
What is the water used in biocremation?
At a bio-cremation, the person’s body (but not their coffin) is placed into a stainless steel cremation chamber – like an outsized casket – which is filled with 95 per cent hot water and five per cent of potassium/sodium hydroxide.
Can you use liquid cremation instead of flame?
Subject to planning permission and any environmental guidelines, liquid cremations could potentially become an alternative choice to flame cremation at many crematoria across the UK.
Is liquid cremation safe?
Water cremation is also known as green cremation, described as an environmentally friendly choice. The alkaline hydrolysis process results in sterile bone ash, while the process also breaks down proteins in body tissues, which sterilise the liquid that is produced.
What is the process of resomation?
The resomation tank, known as a resomator, is in fact a special type of pressure chamber that allows a body to be immersed in a special solution of potash lye and water – a process also known as alkaline hydrolysis. Gas powered steam generators than build the pressure inside the tank until the temperature rises to the required level and a chemical reaction takes place that separates the body into two distinct substances, usually over a period of three to four hours. These substances are an ash, consisting of calcium phosphate from the bones, and a bio-fluid that’s made up of salts, sugars, peptides and amino acids. While the fluid is drained off and disposed of, the ash can be collected and either kept in an urn or scattered, much like what happens currently following a cremation. This liquid is free of any genetic material.
Is resomation environmentally friendly?
Although the process of cremation, in one form or another, has been practiced for much of human history, resomation could soon prove an environmentally friendly response to many of the environmental concerns being expressed about the burial and cremation of our deceased. In order to give you a greater insight into how the process works ...
Is resomation legal in Scotland?
As a new technology, the precise legal foundations surrounding the practice are yet to be fully defined and solidified. While at least eleven states in the USA have legalised the process and some provinces in Canada allow it, the majority of the UK is yet to legislate specifically on the matter. However, in Scotland, the Cremation and Burial Act 2016 has provided a clear platform for the introduction of resomation technology and it is worth noting that in England there seems to be no legal opposition to its implementation as long as it complies with all existing building and environmental regulations.
Is a resomation tank the same as cremation?
Superficially, the resomation process is incredibly similar to modern cremation. In fact, up until the body is committed and passes from view, a resomation service would be no different from that of a normal cremation service. This means that many current crematoria will be able to install a stainless steel resomation tank alongside their existing cremation technology, meaning that they could become dual function in the future.
Is resomation a good alternative to cremation?
While it seems clear that resomation is a viable alternative to cremation, it remains to be seen whether it will be a popular one. Though trends in the funeral industry do suggest that people are prepared to depart from tradition and opt for more personalised funerals that reflect their own beliefs and preferences, it is not known how customers will react to the new technology.
What is the technical name for green cremation?
Its technical name is alkaline hydrolysis, but it is being marketed as “green cremation”.
Does London have a burial service?
In parts of London, the council no longer offers a burial service , and the city has started re-using grave space, lowering bodies further into the ground and placing new ones on top.
Does cremation decompose?
In the US, graves are usually either lined with concrete or the coffin is placed in a metal or concrete vault which will not decompose. But cremation has an environmental cost too. To burn a single body, a cremator machine generates enough heat to warm a home in winter for a week, even in freezing Minnesota.
Is Bradshaw's cremation green?
Bradshaw’s are one of just 14 funeral homes in the world to offer this “green” option. Alkaline hydrolysis is said to be much more environmentally friendly than conventional cremation. They offer both services at the same price and say the new kind of cremation has proved an unexpected hit.
What happens after resomation?
After the Resomation process, the sterile liquid is drained from the machine and cooled. It contains the most basic building blocks of any living organism: amino acids, peptides, sugars and salts. However, this liquid does not contain any DNA or genetic material. After filtration, it can be disposed of in a garden of remembrance. It can also be disposed of in a standard surgical-waste manner.
How Much Does a Water Cremation Cost in the UK?
However, the cost to run a Resomator is lower than the cost of running a conventional crematorium. For this reason, water cremation in the UK should cost around the same as a conventional cremation, and perhaps even less, as it grows in popularity. In the UK, it costs around £1600 for a direct cremation, and about £4000 for a cremation with a simple funeral service. Water cremation services will cost around the same.
What is the Legal Status of Alkaline Hydrolysis in the UK?
In the UK, Alkaline hydrolysis is considered a safe way to dispose of contaminated animal remains after mass outbreaks of bird flu, or foot and mouth disease. It is also a legally accepted method for pet cremation.
How long does it take to resom a bone?
The Resomation or Biocremation process should take 2-3 hours. The resomator is a high-pressure vessel with temperatures reaching over 160°C . The high pressure in the chamber ensures that the air above the water is also sterilised. This guarantees that no pathogens survive the process, and leaves the bones sterile and pure white. The Resomation process is a comparable alternative to cremation in terms of time.
Why is alkaline hydrolysis called green cremation?
Alkaline hydrolysis is known as ‘green cremation’ because it is more environmentally-friendly.
What is the best cremation?
Water cremation is a better alternative to cremation for a number of reasons: 1 it uses 10% of the electricity required for traditional cremation 2 no mercury or toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere 3 pacemakers and prosthetics do not need to be surgically removed 4 jewellery, gold teeth and implants can be disposed of after the process is complete 5 all soft tissue is dissolved, leaving pure white bone 6 the powdered bone is returned to next of kin, just as human ashes would be after cremation 7 families receive about 20% more “ashes” than from a conventional cremation
Is water cremation accepted in the UK?
As it is a relatively new method, water cremation is not yet widely accepted in the UK. Some people are uncomfortable with the process of dissolving a body in liquid. There are also religious concerns from the Catholic Church that the process is undignified. However, it is growing in popularity as people become more aware of the environmental impacts of both conventional burial and cremation. Some people also view Resomation as a more dignified and peaceful alternative to cremation by fire.