Resomation

A new more environmentally friendly funerary option

Resomation — alkaline hydrolysis, sometimes called Aquamation, or water cremation — is one of the most significant developments in funeral care in decades. It offers a profoundly natural, low-impact alternative to both burial and flame cremation, and while it isn’t yet available in the UK, it’s worth knowing about. Because funeral choices are evolving, and this one may not be far off…

How Does Resomation Work?

Resomation uses a water and an alkaline solution (potassium hydroxide) to gently accelerate the body’s natural decomposition process
The body is placed in a pressurised stainless steel chamber, where — over the course of three to four hours — it dissolves down to its essential elements. Just as it does in nature’s own process, simply brought indoors and gently accelerated to accommodate life and society needs today.

The Environmental Case for Resomation

This is where the numbers speak for themselves

• Resomation uses approximately 90% less energy than flame cremation
• Carbon emissions are reduced by around 35% compared to traditional cremation
• No mercury or harmful airborne emissions are released
• No fossil fuels are burned during the process
• The water byproduct is sterile and nutrient-rich, safely re-entering the water system

For those who want their death to sit lightly on the planet, Resomation is one of the most compelling new options currently available — anywhere in the world.

FACTS ABOUT FIRE CREMATION

• Each cremation releases an estimated 160kg of CO₂ into the atmosphere, along with mercury emissions, particulate matter, and other pollutants
• 600,000 deaths per year here in the UK alone
• 80% of the public opt for cremation

FACTS ABOUT RESOMATION

No coffin required
To add to the environmental statistics, the process of Resomation does not require a coffin. The body is respectfully wrapped in a Shroud of natural fibres but a coffin is required

Do you still get ashes

• Bones are hand collected from the Resomator
• Unlike cremains from fire cremation, the bone mass maintains it’s natural bone colour
• Just as with traditional fire cremation, the bones are collected and cremulated to allow them to be
  be returned to the family and memorialised as the wished for

Where Is Resomation Currently Available?

Resomation is gaining ground globally, though the UK is yet to give the green light in regulation

• United States — Legal in over 25states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and New York, with availability growing steadily
• Canada — Available in several provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec
• South Africa — Among the first countries outside North America to offer the process commercially
• Australia — Available in Queensland, with other states reviewing legislation
• New Zealand – Approved and available
• Ireland – Approved and available
• Netherlands — Approved and available
• Belgium — Legislation passed, with services now operational
• Scotland – Legislation passed, regulations announced 2nd March 2026 and soon to be available subject to operators

What About the UK?

Resomation is not yet legal in England. The technology exists, the demand is growing. What’s missing is legislation and regulation. Following an extensive consulation period but the Law Commission, this is currently in the hands of the Government

At Thereafter, we’re watching this space closely — and we’ll be ready to guide you through it when the time comes.

Is Resomation Right for You — or Someone You’re Planning For?

If you’re someone who thinks carefully about your environmental footprint, who wants to make considered choices even in death, then Resomation deserves a place in that conversation. While we can’t yet offer it in the UK, we can help you plan ahead, explore the options that are available now, and ensure your wishes are clearly documented for the future.

Death is one of the most certain things in life. How we handle it — for ourselves and for the planet — is still very much up to us.