Alkaline hydrolysis, a popular process worldwide, finds its way to Scotland
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| Scotland may soon offer water cremations as an eco-friendly alternative |
Scotland is considering introducing water cremations as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. This process, known as alkaline hydrolysis, is already in use in several countries, including Ireland, Canada, and the USA.
In alkaline hydrolysis, the deceased's body is placed in a high-pressure cylinder filled with water and potassium hydroxide for up to six hours. This process dissolves the body, leaving behind bones and minerals that can be further processed into ashes and placed in an urn.
According to public health minister Jenni Minto, this method is significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional cremations. It consumes less power and produces no carbon emissions, ensuring a smaller ecological footprint while still allowing families to receive ashes as a keepsake.
The consultation period for this proposal is set to close on November 17, and it is part of a broader initiative to regulate the funeral industry in Scotland. Minto explained that this initiative builds upon the 2016 Act concerning burials and reflects the public's desire for alternative options in end-of-life practices. The timing is deemed appropriate to explore regulation in this sector.
The majority of machines used for water cremations, also known as aquamation, are manufactured in the USA by Bio-Response Solutions in Indiana. Samantha Sieber, the company's vice president of research, noted that while the process was initially used for pets, it has gained popularity for human remains worldwide.
Sieber mentioned that consumer preference for aquamation has been growing steadily, citing personal reasons such as a connection to water or a desire to make eco-conscious decisions. While some states in the USA, particularly associated with the Catholic Church, initially resisted the process, Archbishop Desmond Tutu's choice of a water cremation for his 2021 funeral in South Africa helped reduce resistance and increase its popularity.
Samantha Sieber expressed excitement about Scotland's consideration of aquamation and emphasized the importance of laws that cater to families' preferences and needs. If the public desires this eco-friendly option, it should be made available.
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