Scotland has become the first part of the UK to legalise hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or aquamation, an environmentally friendly alternative to burial or traditional cremation. The regulations, approved by the Scottish parliament on Monday, mark the most significant change to funeral law since cremation was introduced in 1902.
The process uses a strong alkaline solution, such as potassium hydroxide, to break down the body in a pressurised metal cylinder heated to about 150°C for three to four hours. This dissolves body tissue, leaving only bones, which are then dried and pulverised into white dust, similar to ashes from fire cremation.
Public health minister Jenni Minto said the new option responds to significant public support for greater choice, adding that it would be subject to the same regulatory requirements as existing methods. Kindly Earth, which holds exclusive UK rights to manufacture hydrolysis equipment, said it could take up to nine months before the first Scottish facility is operational.
Helen Chandler, general manager of Kindly Earth, described the move as historic, stating: “We know that not everyone will choose hydrolysis – and that’s the point. It’s about giving families more choice.” The process produces no direct toxic emissions and reduces the need for single-use coffins.
Hydrolysis is already legal in 28 US states, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose water cremation for his funeral in 2022. In England and Wales, the Law Commission is considering a regulatory framework for new funerary methods, including hydrolysis and human composting.
Andrew Purves of William Purves Funeral Directors, an independent Scottish firm, noted growing interest in sustainable funerals. He compared the introduction of hydrolysis to the early days of cremation, which now accounts for nearly 80% of UK funerals, and predicted similar acceptance over time.
