What is Resomation?

What is Resomation, resomation also referred to as alkaline hydrolysis and aquamation, is an alternative to traditional cremation that uses water, heat, and an alkaline solution to gently return the body to its natural elements. It is often discussed alongside aquamation or water cremation and is increasingly explored as a more environmentally considerate end-of-life option.

For people seeking funeral choices that align with nature, sustainability, and lower environmental impact, resomation offers a quieter, less energy-intensive approach than flame cremation. While not yet widely available, interest in resomation continues to grow as attitudes toward death, burial, and ecological responsibility evolve.

This guide explains what resomation is, how it works, and how it compares to cremation and natural burials.

What is Resomation? Resomation is a process that uses warm water and alkaline chemicals (usually potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) to accelerate the natural process of decomposition.

Rather than using flames, the body is placed in a sealed stainless-steel chamber filled with water and the alkaline solution. Over several hours, the combination of heat, water, and alkalinity breaks down soft tissues, leaving only the mineral components of the bones.

The remaining bone material is then dried and reduced to a fine powder, similar in appearance to cremated ashes, which can be returned to loved ones.

At its heart, resomation mirrors what happens naturally in soil — but in a controlled, hygienic environment.

The resomation process is sometimes described as “accelerated natural decomposition”. While the technology is modern, the science behind it is not new.

Step-by-step overview

1. Preparation
   The body is placed into a sealed resomation chamber. As with cremation, pacemakers and some medical implants are removed beforehand.

2. Water-based process
   The chamber is filled with water and a small amount of alkaline solution.

3. Gentle heat and pressure
   The liquid is heated (usually between 90–160°C), speeding up the natural breakdown of tissues over several hours.

4. Separation of remains
   Soft tissues are fully broken down into liquid components, while bones remain intact but softened.

5. Bone processing
   The bones are dried and processed into a fine powder, which is returned to the family.

6. Liquid by-product
   The remaining liquid contains organic compounds, amino acids, and nutrients. It is treated and disposed of safely according to environmental and regulatory standards.

The process is quiet, enclosed, and produces no smoke or airborne emissions.

Resomation and flame cremation both result in ashes, but the process and environmental impact differ significantly.

Key differences

Cremation

• Uses high-temperature flames (800–1,000°C)

• Consumes fossil fuels

• Produces carbon emissions and mercury vapour

• Leaves cremated remains

Resomation

• Uses water, heat, and alkaline solution

• Requires less energy overall

• Produces no airborne emissions

• Leaves similar ashes, suitable for memorials or burial

For people concerned about air quality, carbon footprint, or industrial processes at the end of life, resomation is often viewed as a gentler alternative.

The terms are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing.

• Aquamation is the broader, more consumer-friendly term

• Resomation is a specific brand name and technical term used within the funeral industry

Both refer to alkaline hydrolysis. In practical terms, they describe the same process.

On your website, it can be helpful to explain this clearly and internally link between:

• What Is Aquamation?

• Water Cremation Explained

• Resomation vs Cremation

 

One of the main reasons people explore resomation is its reduced environmental impact compared with cremation.

Potential environmental benefits

• Lower energy use than flame cremation

• No direct carbon emissions

• No airborne pollutants, such as mercury

• Minimal land use

• Compatible with natural burial of ashes

Some studies suggest resomation may use up to 70–90% less energy than traditional cremation, though figures vary depending on equipment and regulation.

It is important to present this carefully: resomation is not impact-free, but it may reduce environmental harm when compared to conventional options.

The ashes produced through resomation are very similar to cremated ashes and can be:

• Buried in a natural burial ground

• Interred in a woodland burial plot

• Scattered where legally permitted

• Placed beneath a memorial tree

• Kept by loved ones if they wish

Many families choose to combine resomation with natural burial grounds, allowing ashes to be returned gently to the soil without tombstones or permanent markers.

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is not straightforward.

Current UK position

• Resomation is not yet formally regulated across the UK

• Existing burial and cremation laws were written before the technology existed

• The Law Commission of England and Wales has reviewed alkaline hydrolysis as part of its work on modernising funeral law

Scotland

Scotland has taken steps toward broader funeral regulation reform, and alkaline hydrolysis is often discussed as part of future provision, but it is not yet widely available.

What this means for families

At present:

• Resomation services are extremely limited or unavailable in the UK

• People interested often choose natural burial, eco-friendly cremation, or aquamation where available internationally

• Future availability is likely, but timelines remain uncertain

It is always recommended to check current guidance with:

• Local authorities

• Funeral directors

• Official government sources

Resomation aligns well with the values behind natural burial grounds, even though it is a technological process.

Shared principles

• Reduced environmental impact

• Avoidance of harmful chemicals

• Respect for natural cycles

• Flexibility around memorialisation

• Focus on simplicity and care

Ashes from resomation can be buried in:

• Woodland burial sites

• Wildflower meadows

• Conservation burial grounds

This makes it a potential hybrid option for people who want cremation-style remains but a nature-based resting place.

Resomation represents a shift in how we think about death, technology, and the environment. While not yet widely available in the UK, it is part of a broader movement toward more thoughtful, sustainable end-of-life choices.

For now, many people interested in resomation find that natural burial grounds, woodland burials, or eco-friendly cremation options offer practical and meaningful alternatives that reflect similar values.

As funeral laws evolve, resomation may become another option available to families — adding choice, flexibility, and gentleness to an already changing landscape.

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