Scotland becomes first UK country to legalise water cremations
a day ago
- #Scotland
- #funeral-innovation
- #sustainability
- Scotland is the first UK region to legalise hydrolysis, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
- Hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or aquamation, uses an alkaline solution to break down the body, leaving only bones which are then processed into white dust.
- The process is already legal in several countries, including the US, Canada, and South Africa, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu opting for it in 2022.
- The Scottish government highlights that hydrolysis offers a new choice for funerals, aligning with public demand for sustainable options.
- Kindly Earth, the UK's exclusive manufacturer of hydrolysis equipment, notes it may take up to nine months for the first Scottish facility to become operational.
- Hydrolysis produces no toxic emissions and reduces the need for single-use coffins, making it environmentally beneficial.
- Public opinion on new funeral methods evolves over time, as seen with the widespread acceptance of cremation, now accounting for 80% of UK funerals.