Scotland becomes first country in the UK to allow water cremations

Some countries already use it

Families in Scotland now have a third option instead of burial or traditional cremation, with the process which is known as alkaline hydrolysis.

Before being placed in a pressurised chamber with hot water and chemicals, bodies are wrapped in a shroud of biodegradable material such as silk or wool, speeding up decomposition.

Relatives then receive the powdered remains in an urn.

Countries including Ireland and the United States is where water cremations already happen.

In Scotland, the company which is supporting the introduction of the practice, described it as the biggest change to cremation law since it was introduced in 1902.

The process of alkaline hydrolysis, or water cremations, involves weighing the body, then heating it to 150C (300F) in a mixture of potassium hydroxide and water for up to 90 minutes.

This process dissolves the body tissue, leaving only the bones. They are then rinsed at 120C, dried, and pulverised into a coarse powder using a machine called a cremulator.

According to Public Health Minister Jenni Minto, it was an “environmentally friendly alternative” to more traditional burials or cremations.

“The choices people make about their remains prior to death are deeply personal, shaped by individual values, beliefs and the wishes of their families.”

“The process will be subject to the same assurances and regulatory requirements as existing methods, giving bereaved families confidence that their loved ones are treated with care, dignity and respect”, she added.

The Scottish government expects the first procedures to take place in the summer.

A typical cremation, it has been estimated, has a footprint equivalent to about 320kg of carbon dioxide.

On the other hand, alkaline hydrolysis is found to result in the emission of seven times less CO2.