‘Boil in the bag’ funerals could be given go-ahead as review launched

'Boil in the bag' environmentally friendly funerals could arrive in the UK

When somebody passes away, either a land burial or a flame-based cremation takes place.

However, an alternative funerary method could finally receive legal approval in the United Kingdom: water cremation.

Water cremation, or alkaline hydrolysis involves rapidly decomposing a corpse in water and alkaline chemicals under high temperatures, leaving only liquid and bones.

The remaining liquid, known as 'effluent', can go down the drain along with other wastewater, whereas the bones can be ground to ash for the family to take home.

The new method is said to be a more eco-friendly alternative to land burials and flame-based cremations.

A traditional cremation consumes fuel and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutant into the air.

Land burials, on the other hand, pose the problem of the coffin containing the corpse taking years to decompose in the soil if it's made of metal or plastic. 

Upholders of the new 'boil in the bag' method claim it's better for the environment, though, others believe it's an undignified way to dispose of the deceased.

How does the 'boil in the bag' method work?

First, the body is loaded into a pressure vessel, which contains a mixture of water and alkaline chemicals.

Then the vessel is heated to 160° to be able to break the body down into liquid and bones. The remaining liquid, 'effluent', can be disposed of down the drain, and the bones can be ground to ash to take home.

The entire process takes about 90 minutes.

Even though this new method is better for the environment, it remains very controversial. Critics claim that dissolving bodies and disposing of the remaining liquid down the sewers lacks dignity.

According to Dr Lian Lundy, a wastewater specialist at Middlesex University, the biggest obstacle obstructing it from becoming legal in the UK is social acceptability, per the Daily Mail.

Water cremation as a funerary method is available in nearly 30 US states, along with Canada and South Africa.

Ireland was the first European country to follow, opening its first water cremation facility in early 2023.

However, it's still unsure when the first water cremation will be allowed in the UK. Co-op Funeralcare did welcome the consultation on new funerary methods, which could point to water cremations coming to the UK shortly.

A spokesman from Co-op Funeralcare said: "At Co-op Funeralcare, we are committed to serving the needs of our member-owners and clients and offering the most sustainable and affordable services. 

"In 2023, we announced our ambition to pilot Resomation in the UK, and we subsequently worked closely with the Government to explore the regulatory requirements to introduce this service across the nation.

"However, we did not proceed with this as, at the time, we were unable to find a path through the current regulatory framework.

"We welcome The Law Commission’s review and encourage exploration into alternative methods that provide consumers with greater choice and deliver environmental benefits."

Once the service becomes available, it is believed that the cost of water cremation will likely be competitive with regular cremation prices.

Social image credit: Kindly Earth