Bold headline: Scotland legalises hydrolysis, paving a greener path for funerals.
Scotland has become the first part of the UK to legalise hydrolysis, an eco-friendlier alternative to traditional cremation or burial. The move reflects rising demand for more sustainable funeral options and marks the most significant update to funeral law since cremation was introduced in 1902.
Hydrolysis, also called water cremation or aquamation, mimics the natural decomposition process but completes it much faster. The method uses a strong alkaline solution to break down the deceased’s body. The remains are placed in water with about 5% alkaline solution (for example potassium chloride) inside a pressurized metal cylinder and heated to roughly 150°C (300°F) for three to four hours.
During the process, soft tissues dissolve, leaving only the bones. The bones are dried, ground into a white powder, and housed in an urn. Families can keep, scatter, or bury this material just as they would traditional ashes from a fire cremation.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto commented that end-of-life choices are deeply personal and shaped by values, beliefs, and family wishes. She noted that hydrolysis offers a new, environmentally friendly option and will be the first new funeral method in Scotland in over 120 years. Regulators have stated that hydrolysis will be subject to the same standards as existing funeral methods.
Kindly Earth, which exclusively manufactures hydrolysis equipment in the UK, explained it could take up to nine months before the first Scottish facility is fully operational. Funeral directors must secure planning permission and a permit from the local water authority before opening.
Helen Chandler, Kindly Earth’s general manager, described the moment as historic for Scotland’s funeral sector. She emphasized that not everyone will choose hydrolysis—and that’s the point. Providing more choices lets families align funeral arrangements with their distinct values and priorities. For those planning ahead, hydrolysis can appeal to those seeking a gentler, less environmentally burdensome option.
Hydrolysis is already legal in 28 US states, as well as in Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose water cremation for his funeral in 2022. Advocates say hydrolysis feels gentler and less harmful to the environment, and it may reduce the use of single-use coffins since a coffin isn’t required.
In parallel developments, the Law Commission for England and Wales is exploring a regulatory framework for new funeral methods, including hydrolysis and human composting. Industry voices in Scotland report growing interest in sustainable funeral options.
Andrew Purves, chief operations officer of William Purves Funeral Directors, which has helped advise the Scottish government, observed that people are increasingly considering the environmental footprint of funerals. He recalled that public opinion on cremation in its early days was divided, yet cremation now accounts for about 80% of UK funerals. He suggested hydrolysis could follow a similar trajectory, gaining widespread acceptance as society becomes more comfortable with new approaches to closure and memory.
Would you consider hydrolysis for yourself or a loved one, and why? Do you think this option should be available everywhere, or should communities weigh local values before adoption?
