A Guide To Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation): A Water-Based Alternative to Cremation

You’re looking for a final goodbye that feels different. Maybe you’re concerned about your environmental footprint, or perhaps the thought of traditional cremation just doesn’t feel right. That’s where a process called alkaline hydrolysis comes in. Don’t let the scientific name scare you. It has a much gentler name: aquamation, or water cremation. It’s a quiet, respectful, and significantly more sustainable alternative to traditional cremation.

This guide is here to demystify it for you. We’ll talk about how aquamation works, why it’s a compassionate choice, and what you need to know about its cost and legality. Understanding this is just one part of exploring all the funeral options explained: burial, cremation & other alternatives that are available for a final farewell.

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What Is Aquamation?

You might hear this process called several things: aquamation, water cremation, flameless cremation, or even resomation. All these names refer to the same gentle, water-based method for handling a person’s final disposition. At its heart, aquamation uses a combination of water, a mild alkali, and temperature to simply speed up what nature does naturally. It’s a quiet and peaceful process that breaks down all organic materials, leaving only the bone minerals behind.

For those who care about the planet, this is a big deal. As a form of green cremation, it uses about 90% less energy than flame-based cremation and doesn’t release any greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It’s considered one of the most sustainable choices you can make.

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How Does the Aquamation Process Work?

I know it might sound complicated, but the alkaline hydrolysis process for humans is a very precise and carefully controlled procedure that takes place inside a specialized stainless steel vessel. It’s done with the utmost respect and dignity.

A Step-by-Step Overview

1. Placement: Your loved one is respectfully placed inside the clean, stainless steel chamber.
2. The Water-Based Solution: The chamber is then filled with a solution that’s 95% water and 5% alkali. Think of it as a gentle, naturally occurring element—like the lye that’s used to make soap.
3. Gentle Circulation: The solution is heated to a temperature well below boiling (around 200-300°F) and gently circulated for several hours. This combination of water, alkali, and low heat works to break down all organic material.
4. The End Result: At the end of the process, the only solid material left are the clean, white bone fragments. The remaining liquid is a sterile, nutrient-rich solution that is safely returned to the ecosystem through the standard wastewater system.
5. Final Processing: The bone fragments are rinsed, dried, and then processed into a fine, white powder. These are the cremated remains, or “ashes,” that are then returned to the family, ready for placement in an urn.

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Aquamation vs. Cremation: A Simple Comparison

While both aquamation and traditional flame cremation give you “ashes” that can be placed in an urn or scattered, the two processes are vastly different in their method and impact.

The Big Differences

• Method: Aquamation uses a gentle flow of warm water and a mild alkali. Traditional cremation uses intense heat and flames (around 1,600°F).
• Energy Use: Aquamation uses only a fraction of the energy required for flame cremation and has a much smaller carbon footprint.
• The Remains: Aquamation typically returns about 20-30% more cremated remains to the family. The ashes are also often lighter in color and have a finer, more uniform consistency.
• Final Disposition: Your options for the final disposition of the remains are exactly the same for both processes. You can place the urn in a niche, scatter the ashes, or bury them. You can learn more about these choices in this guide to cremation explained: process, urn types & final resting places.

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Cost and Legality: What You Need to Know

The cost of aquamation is often a deciding factor. Because the technology is newer and less common than flame cremation, the price can vary significantly by provider. Currently, the cost of alkaline hydrolysis is generally comparable to, or sometimes slightly more expensive than, a traditional cremation. As it becomes more common, prices are expected to become more competitive.

Is Aquamation Legal in My State?

This is a crucial question, because the legality of aquamation for humans is determined at the state level. The laws are changing rapidly as more states recognize this gentle process. While aquamation for pets is legal in all 50 states, its use for humans is currently legal in about half of the U.S.

The best way to find out if it’s legal and available near you is to simply ask your funeral director. They will be up-to-date on the latest regulations. This is a key part of any funeral planning guide: step-by-step arrangements & checklist if you are considering this option.

Just for context: The availability of aquamation for pets is very different from humans. In fact, pet aquamation is a widely available option for beloved animal companions across the country.

Alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) is a significant shift in end-of-life options. It’s a choice that is gentle, dignified, and environmentally responsible. It stands alongside green burial & natural burial: eco-friendly funeral choices as a leading sustainable practice.

By understanding how this flameless process works, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your values. Whether you choose a direct cremation vs. cremation with a service model, aquamation provides a compassionate way to honor a life while protecting the planet.