As society becomes increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of our choices, from what we eat to how we travel, more people are exploring sustainable options for end-of-life arrangements.
One such option gaining attention in the UK is water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or resomation.
Still relatively new and not yet widely available, water cremation is seen as a gentler, greener alternative to flame-based cremation or burial.
But what exactly is it, and how does it work?
How Does Water Cremation Work?
Water cremation is a chemical process that uses a solution of 95% water and 5% alkali (usually potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) to break down the body.
The body is placed in a pressurised stainless steel chamber and gently heated to around 150°C (significantly lower than the 1,000°C temperatures used in flame cremation).
Over the course of around three to four hours, the combination of heat, water, and alkali accelerates natural decomposition, leaving behind only the bones and a sterile liquid by-product.
The remaining bones are soft and white, and just like in traditional cremation, they are dried and ground into a fine powder (commonly referred to as ashes) which can then be returned to the family.
The liquid, composed mostly of water and amino acids, is sterile and can be safely disposed of via the wastewater system — similar to how hospitals handle fluids from the embalming or dialysis process.
Why Are People Choosing Water Cremation?
1. Environmentally Friendly
Traditional cremation releases around 200–250kg of CO₂ per body, along with mercury and other pollutants if dental fillings are present. Burial, meanwhile, can involve toxic embalming fluids and take up land space.
Water cremation, by contrast, uses far less energy, emits no harmful gases, and avoids the release of carbon dioxide and mercury. It is considered to have up to 90% less environmental impact than flame cremation.
2. Gentler Process
Some families appreciate that water cremation is seen as a more natural and less harsh process. There’s no flame involved, and the method more closely mimics what happens to a body during natural decomposition in the soil — just in a much shorter timeframe.
3. Dignity and Innovation
For those looking for an alternative that aligns with their ethical, environmental, or religious values, water cremation offers a forward-thinking option that maintains dignity and care.
Is Water Cremation Available in the UK?
At present, water cremation is not yet legal for use in public funeral services in the UK.
While some funeral providers and environmental campaigners are pushing for its introduction, it requires regulatory approval before it can be offered to families.
However, it is already legal and in use in countries such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Australia, where it has been met with growing public interest.
In the UK, the first water cremation facility opened privately for veterinary use, and a small number of funeral providers are preparing for the possibility of offering it for humans once permitted.
Campaigns and consultations continue, and interest is expected to increase as awareness grows.
What Happens to the Ashes?
Just like with traditional cremation, the bone ash produced from water cremation can be placed in an urn, scattered in a meaningful location, or interred.
The appearance and texture of the ash is often described as lighter in colour and finer in consistency.
Water cremation represents a shift in how we think about death, remembrance, and our environmental legacy.
As interest in eco-friendly funerals grows, and with continued support from both the public and within the funeral profession, water cremation may soon become a standard choice alongside burial and flame cremation.
Until then, understanding the process and its benefits is a vital step in helping individuals and families make informed, compassionate decisions when the time comes.