Knowledge Centre

When new technologies emerge, we often assume they must replace whatever came before. The future of cremation may be more nuanced. Water cremation does not necessarily have to replace flame cremation. Instead, the two methods could eventually exist alongside one another, giving families greater choice. Flame cremation is deeply established Cremation is a familiar part […]

Imagine deciding that water cremation is the right funeral choice for you. You understand the process. You have considered the environmental issues. Your family knows your wishes. But when the time comes, there is nowhere nearby offering the service. This illustrates one of the biggest challenges facing any emerging funeral choice. Awareness alone is not […]

Water cremation may sound like a completely new idea to many people in Britain. But the technology is already part of a much wider international conversation about the future of funeral care. Known technically as alkaline hydrolysis and also referred to as aquamation, the process has attracted attention from funeral professionals, environmental organisations, policymakers and […]

Water Cremation and Sustainability: Separating Evidence from Greenwashing Water cremation is frequently described as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. That is an important claim. It is also one that deserves careful examination. If the funeral profession is going to talk about sustainability, environmental benefits should be supported by evidence rather than slogans. […]

Ask someone whether they would consider water cremation and their first response may be another question: What is water cremation? That simple question illustrates one of the biggest challenges facing any new funeral choice. Before people can decide whether something is right for them, they need to understand it. What is water cremation? Water cremation […]

Funeral traditions can feel permanent. History tells a different story. The way societies care for people after death has continually evolved in response to religion, culture, technology, urbanisation and changing attitudes. Even practices that are completely familiar today were once considered unusual. Cremation was once the alternative Flame cremation is now a familiar part of […]

Technology alone will not determine whether water cremation becomes widely accepted. People will. And one of the most important groups involved will be funeral directors. The trusted relationship with families Funeral arrangements are made at an exceptionally difficult time. Families need information, guidance and reassurance. For generations, funeral directors have helped people navigate decisions surrounding […]

The funeral profession has continually adapted to changing social expectations. From the growth of cremation during the twentieth century to the more recent rise of direct cremation and personalised celebrations of life, funeral services evolve as families’ expectations change. Water cremation could represent another important development. A new method of committal Water cremation uses water, […]

For generations, funeral choices were largely determined by tradition. Families generally chose between burial and cremation, often following established religious, cultural or family customs. Those traditions remain extremely important, but the way people think about funerals is changing. Today, families are increasingly looking for greater flexibility, personalisation and choice. From tradition to personal choice Modern […]

Water cremation is still unfamiliar to many people in the UK. Internationally, however, interest in this alternative to traditional flame cremation is growing. Also known as alkaline hydrolysis or aquamation, water cremation uses water, temperature and alkali rather than flame to accelerate the natural process that occurs when a body returns to its constituent elements. […]