Scotland Pioneers 'Boil-in-a-Bag' Water Cremations as Eco-Friendly Funeral Alternative
Scotland is leading the way in the United Kingdom by introducing an innovative alternative to traditional burials or cremations. However, the so-called 'boil-in-a-bag' method, while gaining legal status, may not appeal to everyone due to its unconventional nature.
Legalisation and Process Details
This week, Scotland became the first country in the UK to legalise water cremations, with experts predicting a rise in popularity driven by increasing demand for sustainable funeral options. The process, known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, replicates natural decomposition but accelerates it using a strong alkaline solution. It is already practiced in countries such as the Republic of Ireland, Canada, and the United States.
In this method, the deceased is placed in a pressurised metal cylinder filled with water and a 5 percent alkaline solution, such as potassium hydroxide. The mixture is heated to approximately 150°C (300°F) for three to four hours, which dissolves body tissue, leaving only bones. These bones are then dried and pulverised into a white dust using a machine called a cremulator. The resulting remains are placed in an urn and can be scattered or buried, similar to ashes from traditional cremations.
The remaining liquid is cooled, treated, and discharged into drains, where it is processed alongside normal wastewater. This liquid is sterile and contains no solids or DNA, making it environmentally safe.
Government and Industry Perspectives
Jenni Minto, the Scottish government's public health minister, emphasised the personal nature of funeral choices, stating that hydrolysis offers a new, environmentally friendly option responding to public demand for greater choice. She noted that this is the first new funeral method available in over 120 years.
Before water cremations can commence in Scotland, hydrolysis equipment must be constructed, subject to planning permission and approval from Scottish Water. Scotland's move does not automatically change laws elsewhere in the UK, but the Law Commission in England and Wales is considering a broader legislative framework for new funerary methods, with a draft Bill expected later this year.
Helen Chandler, General Manager of Kindly Earth, which collaborates with Resomation Ltd, the exclusive UK manufacturer of water cremation equipment, highlighted the significance of this development. She described it as a major milestone, providing an additional funeral choice for the first time in over a century. Chandler explained that in countries where hydrolysis is available, many find it a 'gentle' option compared to flame-based cremations, often motivated by environmental benefits such as no direct toxic emissions and reduced use of single-use coffins.
Adoption and Practical Considerations
Progress in adopting water cremations is expected to be measured rather than sudden, with funeral directors playing a central role in explaining the process sensitively to families. In countries where it is legal, prices typically range from £1,180 to £3,950, depending on the provider and location, according to the Farewell Guide. This new option aligns with growing interest from individuals planning ahead and seeking funeral methods that reflect their personal values and environmental concerns.
