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Resomation, also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, uses water and potassium hydroxide instead of flames to break down the body. Process takes 4-6 hours at 160°C, producing 40kg CO₂ (90% less than traditional cremation's 400kg). Costs £1,800-£2,500. Limited UK availability - Co-op Funeralcare offers at select locations. Fully legal and regulated. Returns remains like cremation.
Resomation, also known as water cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or aquamation, is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation. Instead of using flames, it uses water and an alkaline solution to naturally break down the body. This guide explains how resomation works, its environmental benefits, costs, where it's available in the UK, and the legal framework around this emerging green funeral option.
Key points:
Resomation replicates the natural decomposition process but accelerates it significantly. Here's how the process works:
The science:
Resomation uses alkaline hydrolysis, the same chemical process that happens during natural decomposition, but accelerated. Potassium hydroxide breaks molecular bonds while preserving DNA in the bone remains. The process is gentler than cremation's extreme heat and produces no direct emissions.
Resomation has significant environmental advantages over traditional cremation:
Carbon emissions
- Traditional cremation — 400kg CO₂
- Resomation — 40kg CO₂
- Reduction — 90% less
Other benefits
- ✓ No mercury emissions (from dental fillings)
- ✓ No air pollution or particulates
- ✓ Uses 90% less energy than cremation
- ✓ Water returned to system is sterile
- ✓ No fossil fuel combustion
- ✓ Gentle on pacemakers and medical implants
Resomation costs are competitive with or lower than traditional cremation:
Compare with traditional cremation (£3,000-£5,000) and traditional burial (£4,000-£8,000+)
Resomation availability is currently limited in the UK but slowly expanding:
Current UK providers:
Co-op Funeralcare: Pioneering resomation in UK at select locations
- First UK facility opened in County Durham (2019)
- Additional locations in development
- Contact Co-op directly for current availability
Other providers: Small number of independent facilities
- Specialist green funeral directors
- Some crematoria exploring installation
- Growing interest from funeral industry
Limited availability: Resomation is not yet widely available across the UK. If interested, contact providers early in the planning process. Some families travel to access resomation facilities. Expansion expected over coming years as demand increases and equipment costs decrease.
Resomation is fully legal and regulated in the UK:
| Factor | Resomation | Cremation | Natural Burial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | £1,800-£2,500 | £3,000-£5,000 | £1,500-£3,500 |
| CO₂ emissions | 40kg (very low) | 400kg (high) | Near zero |
| UK availability | Limited | Widespread | 270+ sites |
| Timeline | 7-14 days | 5-10 days | 3-7 days |
| Remains returned | Yes (more volume) | Yes | No |
Choose resomation if you want:
- ✓ Lowest carbon cremation alternative
- ✓ Remains returned like cremation
- ✓ Gentler process than flame cremation
- ✓ No air pollution or mercury
- ✓ Similar cost to cremation or less
Considerations:
- • Very limited UK availability currently
- • May need to travel to access facility
- • Relatively new, less familiar to families
- • May not suit all religious traditions
- • Natural burial has even lower environmental impact
As environmental concerns grow and technology advances, resomation is expected to become more widely available across the UK. More funeral providers are exploring adding resomation facilities, and public awareness is increasing. While currently limited, it represents the cutting edge of sustainable cremation alternatives.
For those seeking the lowest-carbon cremation option, resomation offers a scientifically proven, environmentally responsible choice that's gentler on the planet and uses 90% less energy than traditional flame cremation.
How much does resomation cost in the UK?
Resomation costs £1,800-£2,500 in the UK, which includes the resomation process (£1,000-£1,500), funeral director fees if used (£800-£1,500), biodegradable container (£200-£400), and transportation (£200-£400). This is similar to or less than traditional cremation (£3,000-£5,000) while being much more environmentally friendly.
How does resomation work?
Resomation uses water and 5% potassium hydroxide heated to 160°C in a pressurised chamber. The alkaline solution naturally breaks down the body over 4-6 hours, the same chemical process as natural decomposition but accelerated. Bone remains are dried and processed into ash like cremation. The sterile liquid by-product is safely returned to the water system.
Is resomation better for the environment than cremation?
Yes, resomation produces 90% less carbon emissions than traditional cremation (40kg CO₂ vs 400kg). It uses no fossil fuels, releases no mercury from dental fillings, creates no air pollution, and uses 90% less energy. It's the most environmentally friendly cremation alternative available, though natural burial has even lower impact.
Where is resomation available in the UK?
Resomation availability is currently limited in the UK. Co-op Funeralcare was first to offer it (County Durham facility from 2019) and has select locations. A small number of other providers offer it. Availability is slowly expanding as more facilities invest in the equipment. Contact green funeral providers directly to check current locations.
Is resomation legal in the UK?
Yes, resomation is fully legal and regulated in the UK under the same framework as cremation. All facilities must have Environment Agency approval, meet strict water quality standards for discharge, and be licensed and inspected. It requires the same paperwork as cremation (death certificate, medical certificate). It's been legally practiced since the 2010s.
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