What is Resomation?
Resomation represents a convergence of long-standing scientific techniques with modern environmental and ethical concerns, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional funeral practices.
Resomation is based on the natural process of alkaline hydrolysis, which occurs when a body is buried in the ground. After burial, a chemical reaction between the body's tissues and the surrounding soil bacteria occurs. However, due to factors like embalming chemicals, coffin liners, and synthetic clothing, this natural decomposition can take over 20 years.
Resomation harnesses this same chemical reaction but in a controlled environment, dramatically speeding up the process. Through careful management, the resomation completes the natural decomposition in just 3 to 4 hours, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods. Resomation is also known as Water Cremation, Aquamation or Alkaline Hydrolysis.
During the resomation process, the body is placed in the Resomator machine and gently washed with the 95% water and 5% alkali solution.
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The water is heated, accelerating the body's natural decomposition process. Over 3-4 hours, the body is gently brought back to its natural organic components.
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Like flame cremation, the bones are processed into a fine white powder and returned to the family in an urn.
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Resomation is gaining popularity worldwide due to its minimal environmental impact compared to traditional cremation methods, which release carbon emissions and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and burial, which contribute to soil pollution. Additionally, water cremation uses significantly less energy and resources, making it the most gentle and sustainable option for end-of-life care.
Benefits of Resomation
Environmental Considerations
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The resomation process is carbon neutral and produces no emissions unlike flame-cremation. Resomation uses 95% water and 5% alkali instead of fire to bring the body back to its natural components.​
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Gentle Process
Resomation mimics the way a body would decompose naturally in the earth after burial but under controlled conditions. ​
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​No Emission of Harmful Substances
Traditional cremation releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere contributing to carbon emissions and air pollution. Resomation produces no carbon emissions or pollutants, making it a more sustainable option for those concerned about their environmental impact.​​
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​Safe and Hygienic
Resomation is a safe and hygienic process that meets all regulatory requirements. The alkaline solution used in the process effectively sterilizes the remains, ensuring that they pose no risk to public health or the environment.​
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Removes unnecessary costs
By choosing a private resomation through Pure Reflections there is no need to buy a coffin or have embalming. We will simply prepare your loved one for resomation. With the Urn present the family can organise a funeral mass or celebration of life service at a time and place familiar to all.
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Return of Hydrolised Remains (Ashes)
Similar to traditional cremation, the hydrolised remains (ash) are placed in an urn and returned to the family for memorialization or scattering according to their wishes.