What is water cremation?

UK’s largest cremation provider Co-operative Funeralcare has come out with a plan to offer its customers water cremation or resomation. It is quite popular in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa. South African archbishop and Nobel Laureate for Peace, Desmond Tutu was resomated. Now a U.K. provider has floated this idea in Britain.

What is water cremation?

Water cremation is a process of cremation in which the body of the deceased is put in a biodegradable pouch, which is put in a container with pressurized water and potassium hydroxide. The tissues and cells of the body are converted into a watery solution. The bones, dental implants, prosthetics, and other hard things are left in sterile water. These remnants are dried, crushed, and reduced to a powder, that can be taken by the relatives in an urn.


Water cremation is also called hydro cremation, bio cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, resomation, or ‘boiled in the bag’. It is eco-friendly as it does not release toxic gases in the air, or pollute water. In traditional cremation in which bodies are burnt to ashes, carbon dioxide and toxic gases are released into the air, when a body is buried in the ground, there is a possibility of water contamination. No space or coffin is needed in water cremation.

Co-operative Funeralcare has informed the government about its plans and is awaiting clearance. Water cremation is not illegal, but the company has to show that it is adhering to environmental, safety, and health regulations.

FAQs:

Q1:What is water cremation?
Water cremation is a process of cremation in which the body of the deceased is put in a biodegradable pouch, which is put in a container with pressurized water and potassium hydroxide.

Q2:Name a public figure who was given water cremation.
South African Archbishop and Nobel Laureate for Peace, Desmond Tutu was given water cremation in 2021.